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Is E=mc2 still relevant to ''Virtual Particles''

In summary, the article explores the relevance of Einstein's equation E=mc² in the context of virtual particles, which are transient fluctuations that appear in quantum field theory. It discusses how the equation's principles apply to the energy-mass equivalence of these particles, despite their ephemeral nature. The analysis highlights the ongoing significance of E=mc² in modern physics, particularly in understanding particle interactions and the underlying mechanisms of the quantum realm.
  • #1
Ranyart
theoretically of course.Life is a Song of SearchThe Uni-verse Sings on high.
 
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  • #2
quote:Originally posted by Ranyart:In E=mc2 energy is conserved, if so should we not be able to convert virtual mass into virtual energy?I have allready done this, theoretically of course.E = - (minus) mc2, as well as E = mc2... and:E = + or - mc2Therefore, as far as my limited mathematical mind can perceive, then mass and virtual mass have the same energy.... which seems rather odd.What actually differentiates matter and anti-matter if they have the absolute same energy?Maybe I have walked down the garden path here... just thinkin out loud.
 
  • #3
That is an excellent question.Unfortunately, I believe the answer is "no". Here's why.One statement of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is.Et<=(hbar)This means that the energy of the virtual pair, E=2mc2, cannot be detectedeven in principlefor a time t=T. During this time, energy conservation is violated, but it is undetectable for the lifetime (T) of the pair.Thus, under the cover of the quantum haze, nature permits systems to "borrow" an amount of energy provided it "pays it back" within a time t.
 
  • #4
During short time enrgy is not defined yet.
 
  • #5
Basically what you're saying is true Ranyart, but for two things.1) We can't really causally affect this virtual mass in anyway to make it become "virtual energy" which would actually just be a virtual photon which is what would be responsible for the electromagnetic force.2) Since this mass is from virtual particles it exists only for a short time as Tom has shown, and we couldn't really use it to get any energy out of nothing.You can take as much energy as you want as long as you give it back quick enough, so since you have to give that energy back it's not a usefull kind of energy.Coincidentally this is why forces like the strong force ,which have heavy [non zero] rest mass particles are short range. They don't travel at light speed and they need a much higher energy for the virtual particle to be created and consequently lose that energy sooner.-- Common sense says "Everyone is out to get you." Paranoia says "They're conspiring about it"
 
  • #6
Although the intermediate steps are 'virtual' there are conditions whereby the energy/mass can volate and become real.Instead of posting another question which relates in some ways to where Im going, I ll show where you can actually observe 'virtual' mass.In BEC systems, there is a optical illusion that's been dubbed "the bossa nova" it is when explosive unknown quantities are ejected for no apparant reason, well this is virtual mass exchange of sorts.In HUP things such as the Electron, which has no apparant size, but carry a value that is I think, for mass its:9.110x10-31kg How can you assign a value to something that in effect cant be completely measured? its a virtual mass of course, so the electron carries this value throughout its existence, now back to the 'bossa nova', in BEC the time value which tom provided:This means that the energy of the virtual pair, E=2mc2, cannot be detected even in principle for a time t=T. During this time, energy conservation is violated, but it is undetectable for the lifetime (T) of the pair.is in conditions wherby the system is at very cold temperature's, internal structure bond to outer structure, and the whole behaves as 'one big atom' so theoretically, you can stretch the 'virtual' time and allowing for E=mc2 repel mass?For within every space there are 'virtual photons' which can be made to decay, longer than the "intermediate step " slowing photons down, wether real photons or 'virtual photons' is becoming another tool that will show lots of interesting new, and explainable phenonema, whereby our outlook on stalwarts such as HUP,needs to be re-analized.Interesting how hawking rads can borrow from a blackhole horizon in this similar way, hawking radiation can do the "bossa nova" too!Life is a Song of SearchThe Uni-verse Sings on high.
 

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