Reviewing the Role of Virtual Particles in the Vacuum

Abstract

Experimental evidence has established the existence of virtual particle pairs (VP) in the vacuum of space. The origin of these Virtual Particles is traced to
the interacting waves of the Zero Point Energy (ZPE). The strength of the ZPE has been shown to increase with cosmic expansion, meaning the VP numbers would also increase simultaneously. Classical theory states that every time a charged particle undergoes an acceleration, it emits secondary radiation. The random waves of the ZPE impacting on all subatomic particles causes them to jitter (the ‘zitterbewegung’). This jitter results in extremely rapid and continuous changes in direction for all subatomic particles and thus ongoing accelerations. As a consequence, all particles will emit secondary radiation which, in turn, boosts the ZPE strength locally around massive objects (along with a corresponding increase in VP numbers). The role played by the ZPE and associated Virtual Particles in the vacuum is then explored in relationship to the speed of light as well as some other effects that were predicted by relativity. These effects can now be shown to have an actual physical cause related to the ZPE and associated Virtual Particles.