Conservation of Energy for the Universe

In summary, the conservation of energy in the universe is dependent on the universe being an isolated system. However, there is a possibility that the universe is not actually isolated, leading to potential energy loss or gain. This also raises questions about the potential end of the universe through heat death, as predicted by the law of thermodynamics.
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daniellionyang
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The conservation of the energy of the universe requires that the universe is an isolated system. Is there any way that, in fact, the universe isn't a isolated system and we would be losing or gaining energy in the universe? Also, does this possibly mean that the universe won't necessarily end in by heat death professed by the law of thermodynamics?
 
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daniellionyang said:
The conservation of the energy of the universe requires that the universe is an isolated system. Is there any way that, in fact, the universe isn't a isolated system and we would be losing or gaining energy in the universe? Also, does this possibly mean that the universe won't necessarily end in by heat death professed by the law of thermodynamics?
Sean Carroll on "Energy is not conserved on cosmological scales":
http://www.preposterousuniverse.com/blog/2010/02/22/energy-is-not-conserved/
 
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1. What is the conservation of energy for the universe?

The conservation of energy for the universe is the principle that states energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be transferred or converted from one form to another. This means that the total energy within the universe remains constant over time.

2. How does the conservation of energy apply to the universe?

The conservation of energy applies to the universe in the same way it applies to any closed system. Energy can be transferred between different forms, such as kinetic, potential, thermal, and electromagnetic, but the total amount remains constant.

3. What evidence supports the conservation of energy for the universe?

One major piece of evidence for the conservation of energy in the universe is the fact that the laws of physics, including the law of conservation of energy, have been consistently observed and tested to be true. Additionally, observations of celestial bodies and their movements also support the idea that energy is conserved in the universe.

4. Can the conservation of energy be violated in the universe?

No, the conservation of energy is a fundamental law of physics and has been observed to hold true in all known systems, including the universe. If there were any violations of this principle, it would require a significant change in our understanding of the laws of physics.

5. How does the conservation of energy impact the future of the universe?

The conservation of energy has significant implications for the future of the universe. As energy cannot be created or destroyed, it means that the universe will eventually reach a state of equilibrium where all energy is evenly distributed. This is known as the "heat death" of the universe, where all systems will have run out of usable energy and the universe will continue to expand and cool indefinitely.

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