Ask A Scientist© Physics Archive

>
> >  name       LB
> >  status     other
> >  age        15
> >  Question - Would Zero-Point Energy be a better source of power than
> > Antimatter?
>
>Zero-point energy, the kinetic energy of a particle in its lowest quantum
>state, is a lousy source of energy. In fact, it's no source of energy at
>all. Since the object is already in its lowest quantum state, it's
>impossible to make it give up any of its energy. It would have no states of
>lower energy available to it!
>
>The only way would be to "open up" the particle's potential function, to
>give it new states of lower potential energy. I don't know if anyone has
>any ideas of how to do this; it might be possible, but I can't imagine how
>it could be practical.
>
>I can't imagine how antimatter could be practical, either. But perhaps
>sometime in the future, a source of antimatter can be found, as well as a
>means to contain it until it is used for generating energy. Certain;y, it's
>well beyond current technical capabilities.
>
>Richard E. Barrans Jr., Ph.D.
>Assistant Director
>PG Research Foundation, Darien, Illinois
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>No, although neither seem promising at present.
>
>Tim Mooney
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>No. There would be no way to extract the zero point energy from a molecule
>in order to use it.
>Dr. Bradburn

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