Dark Energy & ZPE: How Can Wave Fragment Have Frequency?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of zero-point electromagnetic radiation and its differences from ordinary electromagnetic radiation. The Heisenberg uncertainty principle plays a role in understanding the behavior of zero-point photons, which have a short lifetime and travel only a fraction of their wavelength. Recent work by scientists Christian Beck and Michael Mackey suggests that zero-point energy could potentially resolve the issue of dark energy, as a phase transition may occur where lower frequency zero-point photons are gravitationally active while higher frequencies are not. This would explain the presence of dark energy in the universe. One question that arises from this discussion is how a wave fragment can have a frequency.
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wolram
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Paper referred to

http://www.calphysics.org/zpe.html

In one paragraph they talk about (wave fragments),

How could such an enormous energy not be wildly evident? There is one major difference between zero-point electromagnetic radiation and ordinary electromagnetic radiation. Turning again to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle one finds that the lifetime of a given zero-point photon, viewed as a wave, corresponds to an average distance traveled of only a fraction of its wavelength. Such a wave ''fragment'' is somewhat different than an ordinary plane wave and it is difficult to know how to interpret this.

And later on they say

Recent work by Christian Beck at the University of London and Michael Mackey at McGill University may have resolved the 120 order of magnitude problem. In that case dark energy is nothing other than zero-point energy. In Measureability of vacuum fluctuations and dark energy and Electromagnetic dark energy they propose that a phase transition occurs so that zero-point photons below a frequency of about 1.7 THz are gravitationally active whereas above that they are not. If this is the case, then the dark energy problem is solved: dark energy is the low frequency gravitationally active component of zero-point energy.

How can a wave fragment have a frequency?
 
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Dumb question?
 

FAQ: Dark Energy & ZPE: How Can Wave Fragment Have Frequency?

What is dark energy and how is it related to wave fragments?

Dark energy is a theoretical form of energy that is thought to make up about 70% of the universe. It is believed to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe. Wave fragments, on the other hand, are small pieces of energy that make up waves. The relationship between dark energy and wave fragments is currently not well understood, but some theories suggest that dark energy may be related to the frequency of these wave fragments.

How can a wave fragment have a frequency?

A wave fragment can have a frequency because it is made up of energy. Just like any other form of energy, such as light or sound, wave fragments can vibrate at a certain rate, which is what we refer to as frequency. This frequency determines the characteristics of the wave, such as its wavelength and amplitude.

What is ZPE and how does it relate to dark energy?

ZPE stands for zero-point energy, which is the lowest possible energy that a quantum mechanical system can have. It is thought to exist even in a vacuum, where there is supposedly no energy present. Some theories suggest that ZPE may be related to dark energy, as they both involve the concept of energy in a seemingly empty space.

Can wave fragments have different frequencies?

Yes, wave fragments can have different frequencies. The frequency of a wave fragment is determined by its energy, which can vary depending on the source of the wave and the medium through which it is traveling. For example, light waves have much higher frequencies than sound waves.

How does the study of dark energy and ZPE contribute to our understanding of the universe?

The study of dark energy and ZPE is crucial in helping us understand the fundamental properties of the universe. By understanding the nature of these mysterious forms of energy, we can gain insights into the structure and evolution of the universe. It also helps us develop and refine theories that can explain the behavior of the universe on a large scale, such as the accelerating expansion of the universe.

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