What is zero-point energy?

Zero-point energy (ZPE) refers to the lowest possible energy state of a quantum mechanical system. According to quantum mechanics, even at absolute zero temperature (0 Kelvin), particles retain a degree of quantum energy due to uncertainty principles and their wave-like nature. This means that they cannot occupy a state of zero energy. Instead, they maintain a residual energy level, known as zero-point energy. In practical terms, zero-point energy can be observed in various physical systems, such as atoms and molecules in solid, liquid, or gaseous states. For example, in quantum field theory, even the vacuum of space is characterized by fluctuations that result in a non-zero energy. ZPE also has implications in fields like quantum mechanics, cosmology, and various theories regarding the nature of dark energy and the fabric of spacetime. However, harnessing zero-point energy for practical energy extraction remains speculative and is a topic of research and debate in physics.