
Published online:
24 September 2013
Published in print:
25 June 2009
Online ISBN:
9780191777004
Print ISBN:
9780199225866
Contents
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The quantum world The quantum world
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Waves and quantum uncertainty Waves and quantum uncertainty
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A seething vacuum A seething vacuum
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The infinite sea The infinite sea
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Cite
Close, Frank, 'The infinite sea', Nothing: A Very Short Introduction, Very Short Introductions (Oxford , 2009; online edn, Oxford Academic, 24 Sept. 2013), https://doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780199225866.003.0007, accessed 8 May 2025.
Abstract
‘The infinite sea’ explores quantum mechanics' claims about the nature of the Void. As all matter can act as both a wave and a particle, one cannot know both the precise location and motion of individual atoms. Therefore Newton's laws are descriptive and not fundamental. Quantum physics shows the Void is seething with activity, energy and particles. Even a vacuum contains a minimum amount of energy, known as zero point energy. It is impossible to remove all the energy from a finite space. Dirac theorized an infinitely deep sea of electrons filled with potential energy.
Keywords:
Big Bang, energy, gravitational field, ground state, James Clerk Maxwell, motion, Isaac Newton, quantum, quantum mechanics, speed of light, vacuum
Series
Very Short Introductions
Collection:
Very Short Introductions
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