The term “virtual particle” is an endlessly confusing and confused subject for the layperson, and even for the non-expert scientist. I have read many books for laypeople (yes, I was a l…

I’m a layperson when it comes to physics, and I’ve always been a bit confused about what virtual particles actually are, especially since the terminology is often downright misleading – “virtual particles in and out of existence”, other particles “exchanging virtual particles” etc. This blog post by theoretical physicist Matt Strassler was really helpful in explaining the concept (as far as it can be explained without going elbow deep into math, I guess)

  •  CadeJohnson   ( @CadeJohnson@slrpnk.net ) 
    1•1 year ago

    I was talking with a lab technician one time about his atomic absorption spectrometer equipment, and our conversation turned to virtual particles. I, possibly pompously, revealed that virtual particles were everywhere in the universe, to which he replied that it was certainly untrue! I explained further and then asked where did he think virtual particles might not be present? He replied, “my mother-in-law’s house”