(May 22, 2018 08:42 PM)Zinjanthropos Wrote:(May 22, 2018 08:23 PM)Syne Wrote: Even empty space has a zero-point energy, and since temperature is basically a measure of energy, that means that, yes, quantum fluctuations do produce temperature.
What's warmer, quantum fluctuations or one photon? Remembering seeing a story headline once about a scientist saying the BB was the result of a single photon. I think story also said all that we see is that single photon....Wonder where they put that guy?
Temperature is a measure of a system, not individual fundamental particles. But if we are measuring a system that includes photons, they will contribute energy to its temperature.
Never heard of the BB from a single photon. Sounds like something properly lost to the dust bin.