What are the two main theories in modern physics?

General relativity and the Standard Model.

What is dark energy according to general relativity?

A repulsive form of gravity contributing to energy density.

Vibrating fields creating virtual particles with significant energy density.

Discrepancy between general relativity and the Standard Model.

Quantized spacetime and additional dimensions of space.

General relativity and the Standard Model, two main theories in modern physics, offer vastly different predictions regarding the energy density of empty space, highlighting a significant discrepancy that challenges our understanding of fundamental physics.
The unresolved issue of imperfect energy cancellation in empty space poses a major obstacle in modern physics, prompting scientists to explore various speculative explanations, such as quantized spacetime or extra dimensions, to address this perplexing question with no clear consensus in the scientific community.

What are the two main theories in modern physics?
General relativity and the Standard Model.
What is dark energy according to general relativity?
A repulsive form of gravity contributing to energy density.
How does the Standard Model explain energy density in empty space?
Vibrating fields creating virtual particles with significant energy density.
What is the fundamental issue in modern physics regarding energy density predictions?
Discrepancy between general relativity and the Standard Model.
What are some speculative explanations proposed to reconcile the energy density predictions?
Quantized spacetime and additional dimensions of space.

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A good scientific theory is one that makes precise and accurate predictions, with scientists being happier when multiple theories agree, giving them confidence in their work.
Modern physics struggles with predicting the energy density of empty space, with two main theories, general relativity and the Standard Model, providing vastly different predictions.
General relativity suggests that dark energy, a repulsive form of gravity, contributes to the energy density of empty space, equivalent to four hydrogen atoms per cubic meter.
The Standard Model proposes that vibrating fields in empty space create virtual particles, resulting in an energy density significantly larger than dark energy, equivalent to the mass of a hundred quintillion universes in the same volume.
The discrepancy between the predictions of the two theories indicates a fundamental issue in our understanding of physics, with potential causes being a lack of understanding of gravity, the quantum world, or undiscovered physical phenomena.
Various speculative explanations have been proposed to reconcile the discrepancy, such as quantized spacetime or additional dimensions of space, but no consensus or accepted solution exists within the scientific community.
The unresolved problem of imperfect cancellation between positive and negative energy fields in empty space remains a significant challenge in modern physics, inviting bright minds to tackle one of the most perplexing questions in science.