Is the Universe neutrally charged?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of charge neutrality in the universe and how it is related to the conservation of energy. It is mentioned that theories on the early universe suggest a transition from a higher energy state to a lower energy state, with the decay of an inflaton field into standard model particles. This process would have followed the principle of charge conservation, ensuring a neutrally charged universe. The conversation also touches on the idea of converting energy into matter and the concept of energy conservation.
  • #1
cmb
1,128
128
TL;DR Summary
Are there exactly as many negative charges as positive, in the universe?
Are there exactly as many negative charges as positive, in the universe?

If so, how can we be sure, and if not then what is the difference and why?

If there is an assumption of charge neutrality at time zero, then why? Is there a rationale behind that or just an unsupported supposition?
 
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  • #2
If not neutral we have difficulty in counting lines of electric force which connects positive and negative charges. I do not say it is reason why but I am feeling uneasy about it.
 
  • #3
cmb said:
If there is an assumption of charge neutrality at time zero, then why? Is there a rationale behind that or just an unsupported supposition?
Theories on the composition and evolution of the very, very early universe typically involve a transition from a higher energy state to a lower energy state. For example, inflation proposes that the very early universe contained an inflaton field, a field which contained a large amount of energy. After inflation this field decayed into the standard model particles and their corresponding fields. This decay process would likely have been governed by many different conservation laws, including charge conservation, ensuring a neutrally charged universe.
 
  • #4
Drakkith said:
Theories on the composition and evolution of the very, very early universe typically involve a transition from a higher energy state to a lower energy state. For example, inflation proposes that the very early universe contained an inflaton field, a field which contained a large amount of energy. After inflation this field decayed into the standard model particles and their corresponding fields. This decay process would likely have been governed by many different conservation laws, including charge conservation, ensuring a neutrally charged universe.
OK, that is fine as an explanation, happy with that I was thinking that might be one of the possibilities.

So, basically, if we have 'energy' and, by whatever means, it is converted into matter, if any of that matter is made up of charged particles then it's ALWAYS as much charge of each polarity because the 'energy' was not charged thus the product mass cannot be charged, by conservation of charge?

And this is what we see in real high energy experiments? So if we wham, say, two protons together it cannot produce 'only' energy but all the products still have to tot up to two units of charge?

But does that mean a proton alone can never be 'entirely' converted to energy? If so, what does that mean in reaction to expressing its mass in MeV, if it cannot be all converted to energy?
 
  • #5
cmb said:
But does that mean a proton alone can never be 'entirely' converted to energy? If so, what does that mean in reaction to expressing its mass in MeV, if it cannot be all c
Energy is not a thing that you can convert to or from. https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/I_04.html Instead, it is a number that you can compute and can observe to be conserved.

You can convert between various things and observe that energy is conserved. In particular, if we had a pair of oppositely moving photons with enough combined energy, we could collide them (photon-photon interaction) and produce a proton plus anti-proton pair with the same total energy. Easier, if we had a proton and anti-proton pair, we could collide them and get a result with the same total energy.
 
  • #6
jbriggs444 said:
Energy is not a thing that you can convert to or from.
Could you please help me understand that in the context of Drakkith's response?

Drakkith said:
... inflation proposes that the very early universe contained an inflaton field, a field which contained a large amount of energy. After inflation this field decayed into the standard model particles and their corresponding fields...
 
  • #7
cmb said:
Could you please help me understand that in the context of Drakkith's response?
There was a field. Then there were standard model particles. To the extent that energy conservation applies, the energy of both was the same.
 

1. What does it mean for the Universe to be neutrally charged?

When we talk about the charge of the Universe, we are referring to the overall balance of positive and negative charges in the entire Universe. If the Universe is neutrally charged, it means that the total amount of positive charge is equal to the total amount of negative charge, resulting in a net charge of zero.

2. How do scientists determine the charge of the Universe?

Scientists use a variety of methods to estimate the overall charge of the Universe. One method is to measure the amount of matter and antimatter in the Universe, as they have opposite charges and should theoretically balance out. Another method is to study the cosmic microwave background radiation, which can give insights into the overall charge distribution in the Universe.

3. What is the current understanding of the charge of the Universe?

Based on current observations and theories, it is believed that the Universe is indeed neutrally charged. This means that the total amount of positive and negative charges are balanced, resulting in a net charge of zero. However, this is still an area of active research and our understanding may change as we continue to study the Universe.

4. What would happen if the Universe was not neutrally charged?

If the Universe was not neutrally charged, it would have significant implications for the laws of physics and the structure of the Universe. For example, if there was a net positive charge, it would have a strong influence on the behavior of particles and could potentially disrupt the formation of galaxies and other structures in the Universe.

5. Can the charge of the Universe change over time?

It is possible that the charge of the Universe may have changed over time, especially in the early stages of the Universe's formation. However, current evidence suggests that the overall charge has remained neutral throughout the history of the Universe. Any changes in the charge would have significant consequences for the evolution and structure of the Universe.

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