Quantum Physics: virtual particles are not nothing (General)

by David Turell , Thursday, January 26, 2017, 01:43 (2857 days ago) @ dhw

DAVID: Since you taught English, I'll try to explain the physics concept: 'virtual' means the particles pop into and out of our reality of existence. Where they come from and where they go is the unknown issue addressed by Ruth Kastner. They are not unreal if they can be herded! Evanescent might be a better term for them. Whew!

dhw: Many thanks, David. If this is correct, unknown particles that come and go are no less real than known particles that come and go, including ourselves. The word “virtual” is therefore highly misleading, as is the word “nothing”. Not knowing the origin of something does not mean it is not real or that it comes from nothing. I think this is one issue on which we agree!

Thank you. At last a full agreement. Can there be others!