according to the uncertainty principal is it possible to have a vacuum?
Mass is energy, and you can't create an area with a definite amount of energy (E = 0) for a long period of time.
2007-03-22 02:49:19 · 7 answers · asked by sh 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Perfect vacuum is, of course, impossible. However, you can get arbitrarily close to it, to the point where you have a vacuum for all practical purposes.
2007-03-22 02:54:50 · answer #1 · answered by Bramblyspam 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As you correctly suggest, quantum physics puts a lower limit on the amount of energy that can exist in a region of space.
In particular, Torricellian vacuum is far from perfect (the "empty" space in a mercury thermometer is filled with a thin mercury vapor). Also, I must disagree with Bramblyspam that you can get "arbitrarily close" to perfect vacuum, since you can get no closer than the quantum limit. However, with proper techniques, you can get a vacuum that's good enough for nearly any practical purpose.
2007-03-22 10:21:28 · answer #2 · answered by Michel_le_Logique 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course, vacuum is part of our everyday lives - e.g. A Vacuum Cleaner.. how does it work ? .. It causes a pressure below that of the atmosphere .. a suction is a partial vacuum.
When you suck a soda up a straw, how does it rise up the straw ? .. when you suck, you cause a partial vacuum in the straw, the atmospheric pressure acting on the surface of the soda pushes the liquid into your mouth.
*.. Any pressure below that of the atmosphere is called 'Vacuum'.
*..Total vacuum is the complete absence of matter.
*..A total vacuum does not exist but, it is considered that outer space is about the closest we can get.
..On an absolute scale, total vacuum is classed as minus the atmosphere and is equal to Zero mmHg. (760 - 760 mmHg)
or Absolute Zero Pressure.
..Or, 14.7 - 14.7 = Zero psi. This is called:
.. 0 psia (absolute), or.. -14.7 psig (gauge), .. 0"Hg, ..etc.
(As an extra matter of interest, a Barometric condenser used in vacuum distillation units, may be operated at a vacuum of about 27"Hg which is 3"Hg above absolute zero pressure).
2007-03-23 01:28:29 · answer #3 · answered by Norrie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes definitely vacuum can be created.
Take the example of a mercury barometer. Inside the tube, the space left above the mercury level in the barometer, is perfect vacuum--Torricellian vacuum .
2007-03-22 10:09:16 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Virtual particles will keep popping up.
2007-03-22 09:52:59 · answer #5 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not for long!
2007-03-22 09:59:54 · answer #6 · answered by Yahoo! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
of course possible. something wrong with the formula or derivation.
2007-03-22 09:58:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋