How the Casimir effect works

A short explanation of the physics behind this odd reality of science.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• casimir
• effect
• zero
• point
• energy
• physics
• quantum
• science

[Petrhrabal]

but what exactly causes the mechanical effect? He is talking about quantum waves... what kind of waves they are? Do they have also a mechanical imapact on matter like in classical mechanics?

[Raezene]

@Petrhrabal The waves he is talking about are electromagnetic waves all across the spectrum. The mechanical effect is the infinity of varied waves on the outside of the plates, verses the more limited infinity on the inside of the plates. The difference causes the plates to move toward each other. It would have an impact on matter, but the impact is very small. For example, this is thought to be a reason why the universe is expanding faster and faster.

[AlmightyGTR]

If only half integer multiples can cause this, shouldn't their movement towards each other be quantized? If not so, then there will be a point where we wont have a half integer multiple. Hence, the effect will lose its existence, the moment it comes into existence and moves the first, smaller than half integer fraction of wave, towards the other plate.

[Raezene]

@AlmightyGTR The half integer multiples are used more to defined some of the conditions of the infinity found on the inside of the plates. It's a way of determining what sort of waves one might find inside on the inside of the plates. The outside is not bound by the 'half integer multiple' boundary condition, and may freely push the plates until they contact.

[danjoelabrenica]

i search this because of VSAUCE XD

[Tiwaking]

@Raezene A room temperature superconductor walks into a bar, the bartender says "We dont serve any superconductors in this bar". The room temperature superconductor leaves without putting up any resistance.

[FujiSatori]

You did well with this. great insight into the fact that energy is all around us.

[bajagreatwhitesharks]

I think UFO's float in this order

[ajkelly451]

@AlmightyGTR Oh yes of course, thank you for clearing that up.

[AlmightyGTR]

@ajkelly451 You are very right, the effect will grow stronger, but (a very big but) the new forces which will come into play, will be way too strong. And they will render this effect negligible in comparison. I am trying to mention inter and intra atomic forces.

[ajkelly451]

@AlmightyGTR Well stated. But I would also argue (as is my nature) that at such a proximity, wouldn't the effect still be significant since there would be no wavelengths of radiation within the boundary of the plates and infinitely many outside of them? Or am I missing something here?

[AlmightyGTR]

@ajkelly451 To prove my statement wrong, that is exactly what I was thinking. Because, there is a possibility of an infinitesimal difference between the pre-existing wavelengths. They will slowly approach to the next half multiple of the wave, which (in assumption) initiated the effect. And then the cycle continues till the plates are close enough for no wave to exist between them. Of course, at that kind of close proximity other forces will come into play, rendering this effect as negligible.

[ajkelly451]

@AlmightyGTR Also, keep in mind that all the waves traveling around these plates have different wavelengths. Even if you hit that multiple for certain wavelengths, there will still be waves that aren't a half integer multiple, thus the force would still exist.