Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Geezer on 06/02/2010 04:40:06

Title: How much energy is in our universe?
Post by: Geezer on 06/02/2010 04:40:06

Is there a finite amount of energy (including mass equivalence) in our universe, or is the energy infinite?

If it's finite, what is the estimate of that energy?

Title: How much energy is in our universe?
Post by: EatsRainbows on 06/02/2010 06:59:44

finite i think, 1st or 2nd law of themodynamics, energy is neither created nor destroyed. Same applies to mass, neither created nor destroyed, only changed from one form to another therefore there would be a fixed amount of energy available from all forms.

as for the estimate of the energy..... no idea whatsoever!  [^]

Title: How much energy is in our universe?
Post by: syhprum on 06/02/2010 09:36:55

I have seen the number of Protons in the universe quoted as 10^80, this equates to 10^70 Joules applying mc^2.

Title: How much energy is in our universe?
Post by: Geezer on 06/02/2010 22:49:33

Quote from: syhprum on 06/02/2010 09:36:55

I have seen the number of Protons in the universe quoted as 10^80, this equates to 10^70 Joules applying mc^2.

Thanks Syhprum. That's quite a lot of Joules  [;D]

Title: How much energy is in our universe?
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 07/02/2010 12:01:57

I reckon there's 0

Title: How much energy is in our universe?
Post by: LeeE on 07/02/2010 13:36:06

Quote from: Geezer on 06/02/2010 04:40:06

Is there a finite amount of energy (including mass equivalence) in our universe, or is the energy infinite?

If it's finite, what is the estimate of that energy?

A single infinity on its own leads to problems i.e. if the amount of energy in the universe is infinite but the extent of the universe is finite then the energy density of the universe would be infinite everywhere.

Bringing in another infinity doesn't simply clear up the problem though, for you then need to consider different sized infinities.