Vacuum energy predicted 10^120 times too large
Cosmological constant problem
Vacuum energy predicted 10^120 times too large
The cosmological constant problem highlights the vast gap between theoretical predictions and observed values of vacuum energy density. Quantum field theory estimates vacuum energy density to be 50 to 122 orders of magnitude greater than what is observed. This discrepancy is considered the largest in all of science and possibly the worst theoretical prediction in physics history.
Example
If quantum field theory's vacuum energy were accurate, it would imply a vacuum energy density around 10^120 times greater than what we actually observe.
Remember this
Understanding this discrepancy is crucial for advancing theoretical physics and achieving a more accurate understanding of the universe's fundamental forces and structure.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related concepts
Cosmological constant
Why does space seem to stretch forever?
Cosmic inflation
Cosmic inflation explains the universe's uniform temperature
Theory of everything
Can there be more to reality than we see?
Dark energy
Why does the universe keep getting bigger faster?
History of quantum field theory
Why does a particle accelerator need a special theory to find a tiny particle?
Planck constant
Did you know light and energy are linked by a tiny constant?
Swipe through more Physics concepts
Open Pocket Polymath