Zero-point energy (ZPE) is the lowest possible energy that a physical system can possess according to quantum mechanics. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle states that the position and momentum of a particle cannot both be known precisely at the same time. As a result, even in a perfect vacuum where all other energy has been removed, there is still a minimum amount of energy associated with the fluctuations in the quantum fields that make up the vacuum. These fluctuations, also known as virtual particles, constantly pop into and out of existence, and contribute to the ZPE.

The ZPE has been observed experimentally in a variety of contexts, including in the vibrations of atoms and molecules, and in the electromagnetic field. It is also related to the particle-wave duality of quantum mechanics, which states that all particles can exhibit wave-like behavior, and that their energy is related to their frequency and wavelength. In essence, the ZPE represents the lowest possible energy state of a physical system, even at absolute zero temperature.


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