quantum field theory - Is the vacuum empty? Are virtual particles in the vacuum? Is the vacuum non-zero?

I have read a lot about this stuff.

1. Is the vacuum empty? How is it not-empty?

But nobody can it explain serious and simple that I can fully understand it.

Some physicists tell may that virtual particles were a big lie.

2. 
   

   There don't arises in the vacuum?

   
   


3. 
   

   What is the truth about the vacuum?

   
   

I found this:

Is the Universe a Vacuum Fluctuation?

EDWARD P. TRYON

1.Department of Physics and Astronomy, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10021

Top of page Abstract

The author proposes a big bang model in which our Universe is a fluctuation of the vacuum, in the sense of quantum field theory. The model predicts a Universe which is homogeneous, isotropic and closed, and consists equally of matter and anti-matter. All these predictions are supported by, or consistent with, present observations.

Nature 246, 396-397 (14 December 1973) | doi:10.1038/246396a0

4. 
   

   What does this paper tells us?

   
   



5. 
   

   Is the vacuum empty or not?

   
   


6. 
   

   Are virtual particles in the vacuum?

   
   


7. 
   

   Can a universe arise from nothing?