 |
|
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
| • HOME • ABOUT • CATEGORIES • USE OF TEXT AND IMAGES • NEWSLETTER   
|
virtual particle
A particle that appears momentarily out of the quantum vacuum and exists only as permitted by the uncertainty principle. Virtual particles effectively borrow energy but rapidly annihilate, thereby repaying the energy loan. They cannot be detected directly but can have measurable effects.
Related category
• PARTICLE PHYSICSAlso on this site:
Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History