zero-point energy
"Zero-point energy" is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, representing the lowest possible energy a system can have, even at absolute zero temperature.
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Definition
C1Quantum Mechanics
(technical, academic)The minimum energy a quantum system possesses, even at absolute zero temperature.
Example
- Zero-point energy explains why particles still exhibit motion at absolute zero.
C2Quantum Field Theory
(technical, academic)The energy from fluctuations of fields in a vacuum, even without external stimuli.
Example
- The vacuum still contains zero-point energy due to quantum field fluctuations.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "zero-point energy":
element zeroabsolute zerovibrational energyfree energyenergy levelzero in