Dictionary

zero-point energy en · NOUN

Etymology

Calque of German Nullpunktenergie.

Meanings

1. (qualifier:quantum mechanics) The lowest possible energy of a given quantum mechanical system.
   • The existence of a zero-point energy (i.e., the existence of a non-zero lower limit to the energy of a quantum-mechanical system) is a consequence of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.
   • 2000, Stephen T. Thornton, Andrew F. Rex, Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Saunders College Publishing, page 205, Our estimate for the zero-point energy of the harmonic oscillator is hbar ω/2.
2. (physical) The kinetic energy possessed by (the particle constituents of) a substance at absolute zero temperature.
   • The calculated zero-point energies of hydrogen at inner bulk, GB, and FS are within 0.12-0.16eV/H. 2004, Journal of the Physical Society of Japan, Volume 73, Pages 1-768, Physical Society of Japan, page 441:

Forms

Relateds

zero-point field

Synonyms

zero-point radiation · ground state energy · ZPE

Translations (12)

it energia di punto zero (energy possessed by an object at a temperature of absolute zero) · ka ნულოვანი წერტილის ენერგია (energy possessed by an object at a temperature of absolute zero) · it energia di punto zero (lowest possible energy of a quantum mechanical system) · de Nullpunktenergie (lowest possible energy of a quantum mechanical system) · fi nollapiste-energia (lowest possible energy of a quantum mechanical system) · pl energia punktu zerowego (energy possessed by an object at a temperature of absolute zero) · de Nullpunktenergie (energy possessed by an object at a temperature of absolute zero) · ro energie de punct zero (energy possessed by an object at a temperature of absolute zero) · pl energia punktu zerowego (lowest possible energy of a quantum mechanical system) · ka ნულოვანი წერტილის ენერგია (lowest possible energy of a quantum mechanical system) · fi nollapiste-energia (energy possessed by an object at a temperature of absolute zero) · ro energie de punct zero (lowest possible energy of a quantum mechanical system)