Does the Quantum Vacuum Fall Near the Earth? The Downward Acceleration of the Quantum Vacuum is Responsible for the Equivalence Principle

Abstract

The downward acceleration of the virtual electrically charged fermion particles of the quantum vacuum is responsible for the Einstein Weak Equivalence Principle and for our perception of 4D space-time curvature near the earth. Since the virtual fermion particles of the quantum vacuum (virtual electrons for example) possess mass, we assume that during their short lifetimes the virtual fermions are in a state of downward acceleration (or free-fall) near the earth. Many of the virtual fermions also possess electrical charge, and are thus capable of interacting electrically with a real test mass, since a test mass is composed of real, electrically charged, fermion particles. The electrical interaction between the downward accelerated virtual fermions with nearby light or matter is responsible for the equivalence of inertial and gravitational mass, and also responsible for our perception of 4D space-time curvature near the earth. In pure accelerated frames the apparent acceleration of the virtual particles of the quantum vacuum is caused by the actual accelerated motion of a test mass. An opposition to acceleration is felt by the mass that is proportional to the magnitude of the mass, according to F=MA. This process is responsible for inertia, and the exact reverse process is responsible for the magnitude of the gravitational mass. This is why inertial and gravitational mass are equal.