Evidence that the Universe is Electrically Neutral

In summary, the conversation discusses the evidence for the assertion that the universe is electrically neutral on large scales. There is a question about whether a uniform distribution of charge would be noticeable and the evidence for an equal number of electrons and protons. The conversation also touches on the idea of conservation of charge and the possibility that the universe was always neutral.
  • #1
Moneer81
159
2
Hello,

Homework Statement



What evidence do we have to support the assertion that the universe is electrically neutral on large scales?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know that gravity is the dominant force on large scales but what kind of evidence can we give to support that? Does it suffice to state that we have the same number of protons and electrons?
 
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  • #2
Is the universe neutral?
If there was a uniform distribution of charge would you notice ? There would be no field and there is nothing outside the universe to compare the charge to.
What is the evidence that there is an equal number of e- and p+?
Just saying that there should be isn't enought - after all there isn't an equal amount of matter and antimatter
 
  • #3
mgb_phys said:
Is the universe neutral?
If there was a uniform distribution of charge would you notice ? There would be no field and there is nothing outside the universe to compare the charge to.
What is the evidence that there is an equal number of e- and p+?
Just saying that there should be isn't enought - after all there isn't an equal amount of matter and antimatter

The universe is indeed neutral, isn't?

As far as evidence goes...hmmm

I am not sure what kind of evidence they're asking for, to be honest. Any hints?
 
  • #4
Conservation of charge? Maybe if you assert that the universe was at one point, or at the beginning, neutral, it must always be?
 

1. What is meant by "electrically neutral" in relation to the universe?

"Electrically neutral" refers to the overall charge balance of the universe, meaning that the total amount of positive charge is equal to the total amount of negative charge. This is important because an imbalance in charge would lead to powerful electrical forces that could disrupt the structure of the universe.

2. How do we know that the universe is electrically neutral?

Scientists have studied the composition of the universe and have found that it consists of both matter and antimatter in equal amounts, which have opposite electrical charges that cancel each other out. Additionally, observations of celestial objects and their interactions have shown no evidence of large-scale electrical imbalances.

3. What evidence supports the electrically neutral nature of the universe?

One major piece of evidence is the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is the remnant glow from the Big Bang. This radiation is extremely uniform and consistent, which would not be possible if there were large electrical imbalances in the universe. Additionally, studies of cosmic rays and the behavior of galaxies also support the idea of an electrically neutral universe.

4. Could there be pockets of electrical charge in the universe?

While the universe as a whole is considered electrically neutral, there may be small pockets or fluctuations of charge in certain regions. These are typically not large enough to disrupt the overall balance, but they may have an impact on local phenomena such as star formation and galactic structures.

5. How does the electrically neutral nature of the universe affect us?

The electrically neutral nature of the universe has allowed for the formation and stability of celestial bodies, including our own planet. It also plays a role in the behavior of cosmic objects and phenomena, such as the movement of charged particles in space. Understanding the electrically neutral nature of the universe is crucial for our understanding of the laws of physics and the evolution of the cosmos.

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