Posted: Nov 22, 2011 6:53 am
twistor59 wrote:
I am told that the space surrounding me is filled with virtual particles, popping into and out of existence. I could believe that they exist for such short times and at such low energies that sophisticated equipment is needed to detect them. However, a collision between even 1 virtual electron and a starship going 0.99999999999999999999999999 c would have a significant effect on the ship because in the ships frame of reference the electron would have a large kinetic energy. Since all reference frames have equal claim to be "at rest", why are we not constantly bombarded by virtual particles that may be at rest relative to the afore mentioned starship, but would tear us apart?
Virtual particles popping in and out of existence
The poster there was quite right to ask that question given the horseshit pictures that are promulgated by the use of this sloppy terminology. Had he known how the theory is really formulated though, the question might have rather included the phrase "a collision between even 1 momentum integral and a starship going 0.99999999999999999999999999 c"
well, but doesnt a virtual particle come in contact with a particle(particles) on the ship, if so. That particle will be lost. But the ship remains intact.Like photo electric effect.