Zero-Point Energy: Quantum Physics in the Cosmos

Zero-point energy is the lowest possible energy a quantum system can have—even at absolute zero.
It comes from constant quantum fluctuations where particles briefly appear and disappear.
This “background energy” exists everywhere, filling even the emptiest regions of space.
The Casimir effect is experimental proof of zero-point energy’s reality.
In cosmology, it’s linked to vacuum energy and possibly dark energy.
Zero-point energy helps explain why atoms don’t collapse, stabilizing matter itself.
It was first described by physicist Max Planck in the early 20th century.
If harnessed, it could provide limitless energy—but that remains firmly speculative.
The huge mismatch between predicted and observed values is a major physics puzzle.
Zero-point energy reveals that “nothingness” is never truly empty in the quantum world.