The idea of quantum fluctuations in empty space from "summary" of The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory by Brian Greene
In the realm of quantum mechanics, where the laws of physics govern the behavior of particles on the smallest scales, a fascinating concept emerges - that of quantum fluctuations in empty space. These fluctuations imply that even in a vacuum, where one might expect nothing to be happening, particles and antiparticles are constantly popping in and out of existence. This strange phenomenon arises due to the inherent uncertainty in quantum physics. According to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, there is a limit to how precisely we can know both the position and momentum of a particle. This uncertainty gives rise to fluctuations in the energy of empty space, leading to the creation and annihilation of particle-antiparticle pairs. These fleeting particles, known as virtual particles, have a brief existence before annihilating each other and returning the borrowed energy back to the vacuum. Despite their temporary nature, these virtual particles have real effects on the universe...
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