Quantum inequalities are local constraints on the magnitude and extent of distributions of negative energy density in space-time. Initially conceived to clear up a long-standing problem in quantum field theory (namely, the potential for unconstrained negative energy density at a point), quantum inequalities have proven to have a diverse range of applications.

The form of the quantum inequalities is reminiscent of the uncertainty principle.

Einstein's theory of General Relativity amounts to a description of the relationship between the curvature of space-time, on the one hand, and the distribution of matter throughout space-time on the other. This precise details of this relationship are determined by the Einstein equations

${\displaystyle G_{\mu \nu }=\kappa T_{\mu \nu }}$.

Here, the Einstein tensor ${\displaystyle G_{\mu \nu }}$ describes the curvature of space-time, whilst the energy–momentum tensor ${\displaystyle T_{\mu \nu }}$ describes the local distribution of matter. (${\displaystyle \kappa }$ is a constant.) The Einstein equations express local relationships between the quantities involved—specifically, this is a system of coupled non-linear second order partial differential equations.

A very simple observation can be made at this point: the zero-point of energy-momentum is not arbitrary. Adding a "constant" to the right-hand side of the Einstein equations will effect a change in the Einstein tensor, and thus also in the curvature properties of space-time.

All known classical matter fields obey certain "energy conditions". The most famous classical energy condition is the "weak energy condition"; this asserts that the local energy density, as measured by an observer moving along a time-like world line, is non-negative. The weak energy condition is essential for many of the most important and powerful results of classical relativity theory—in particular, the singularity theorems of Hawking et al. Hawking radiation suggests that black holes emit thermal energy due to quantum effects, even though nothing escapes their event horizon directly. This process aligns with quantum inequalities, which set strict limits on how much energy can appear or disappear in a given space. These inequalities ensure that Hawking radiation remains consistent with the laws of physics, reinforcing the reality of both phenomena and their connection in extreme spacetime conditions. In addition, we have The Penrose inequality which is a rule that says the mass (or energy) of a black hole is related to the size of its event horizon (the boundary beyond which nothing can escape). This idea supports "cosmic censorship," which is the idea that we can never directly see a "naked" singularity (a point of infinite density inside a black hole).

In the quantum world, which deals with very small particles, this rule gets expanded to include something called "entropy." Entropy is a way to measure how disordered or chaotic a system is. The idea is that the total entropy (or disorder) of a system, including both the black hole and the quantum matter around it, should never decrease. This idea helps ensure that the laws of physics stay consistent, even in the strange world of quantum mechanics.