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Concept information

Preferred term

zero point energy  

Definition

  • Zero-point energy (ZPE) is the kinetic energ, which, in accordance with the uncertainty principle, is retained by a substance at absolute zero (each component oscillator retaining one half quantum (hν/2) energy). Alternatively, the energy left behind in a volume of space after all the matter and radiation has been removed. Zero-point energy (ZPE), also known as vacuum fluctuation energy, is predicted by quantum mechanics and gives rise to some measurable phenomena such as the Lamb shift and the Casimir effect. (Encyclopedia of Science, by David Darling, https://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/Z/ZPE.html)

Broader concept

Synonym(s)

  • zero-point energy

In other languages

URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-R798S7R0-Z

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