zero-point energy

Zero-point energy is the lowest possible energy that a quantum system has, even when it is at absolute zero temperature with no external influences. Unlike in classical physics, where objects can be completely at rest, quantum physics shows that particles still have intrinsic vibrations due to the uncertainty principle. These tiny, persistent fluctuations mean that even in a perfect vacuum, there is a constant, minimal amount of energy present—this is zero-point energy. It influences phenomena like the Casimir effect and plays a fundamental role in the behavior of particles and fields at the quantum level.