Quantum foam

A graphic representation of Wheeler's calculations of what quantum reality may look like at the Planck length

Quantum foam (or spacetime foam, or spacetime bubble) is a theoretical quantum fluctuation of spacetime on very small scales due to quantum mechanics. The theory predicts that at this small scale, particles of matter and antimatter are constantly created and destroyed. These subatomic objects are called virtual particles.[1] The idea was devised by John Wheeler in 1955.[2][3]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference lincoln-foam was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Wheeler, J. A. (January 1955). "Geons". Physical Review. 97 (2): 511–536. Bibcode:1955PhRv...97..511W. doi:10.1103/PhysRev.97.511.
  3. ^ Minsky, Carly (24 October 2019). "The Universe Is Made of Tiny Bubbles Containing Mini-Universes, Scientists Say – 'Spacetime foam' might just be the wildest thing in the known universe, and we're just starting to understand it". Vice. Retrieved 24 October 2019.