Scalar Field
Quintessence is a scalar field whose equation of state wq, defined as the ratio of its pressure pq and its density q, is given by the potential energy and a kinetic term:
- .
Hence, Quintessence is dynamic, and generally has a density and equation of state that varies with time. By contrast, a Cosmological Constant is static, with a fixed energy density and wq = −1.
Read more about this topic: Quintessence (physics)
Famous quotes containing the word field:
“Mothers seem to be in subtle competition with teachers. There is always an underlying fear that teachers will do a better job than they have done with their child.... But mostly mothers feel that their areas of competence are very much similar to those of the teacher. In fact they feel they know their child better than anyone else and that the teacher doesn’t possess any special field of authority or expertise.”
—Sara Lawrence Lightfoot (20th century)