more from Gavin Hesketh

Single Idea 21187

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / B. Modern Physics / 2. Electrodynamics / d. Quantum mechanics]

Full Idea

We can never measure these virtual (transitory) particles directly, and it turns out that they don't even have to obey the laws of physics.

Gist of Idea

Virtual particles can't be measured, and can ignore the laws of physics

Source

Gavin Hesketh (The Particle Zoo [2016], 05)

Book Reference

Hesketh,Gavin: 'The Particle Zoo' [Quercus 2016], p.108


A Reaction

These seems to be the real significance of the Uncertainty Principle. Such particles 'borrow' huge amounts of energy for very short times.