Casimir Effect

The Casimir Effect is a physical phenomenon where two uncharged, parallel metal plates placed very close together in a vacuum experience an attractive force. This occurs because empty space isn’t truly empty; it is filled with tiny, fluctuating energy called quantum vacuum energy. These fluctuations produce virtual particles that pop in and out of existence. Between the plates, some of these fluctuations are restricted, creating a difference in energy compared to the outside. This imbalance leads to a small, measurable force pulling the plates toward each other, demonstrating how quantum effects influence the macroscopic world.