Question About Conservation of Energy, the Cosmological Constant and Dark Energy

In summary, the conversation discusses the confusion about the cosmological constant and dark energy, the creation of energy as the vacuum of space expands, and the conflict with the conservation of energy. It also touches on the concept of spacetime being curved near a massive object and the belief that it is broadly flat on a cosmic scale. However, in the LCDM model, spacetime is not flat, only space.
  • #1
richard.coppack
4
0
I am confused about the cosmological constant and dark energy. In the most accepted theory, energy is created as the vacuum of space expands. This contravenes the conservation of energy. The law of conservation of energy does not hold in curved spacetime but isn't our universe flat spacetime ? What am I missing here ?
 
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  • #2
richard.coppack said:
isn't our universe flat spacetime ?
Nope. To the best of our measurements space is flat but spacetime is curved.
 
  • #3
Dale said:
Nope. To the best of our measurements space is flat but spacetime is curved.
Thank you for your reply. Yes, spacetime is curved near a massive object. On a cosmic scale, isn't spacetime broadly flat?
 
  • #4
richard.coppack said:
Thank you for your reply. Yes, spacetime is curved near a massive object. On a cosmic scale, isn't spacetime broadly flat?
No, spacetime in the LCDM model is not flat. Just space.
 

1. What is the conservation of energy?

The conservation of energy is a fundamental law of physics that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be transformed from one form to another. This means that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant over time.

2. How does the cosmological constant relate to the conservation of energy?

The cosmological constant, also known as dark energy, is a term in Einstein's theory of general relativity that represents the energy density of the vacuum of space. It plays a role in the overall energy balance of the universe and is thought to contribute to the expansion of the universe. However, it does not violate the conservation of energy because it is not a source of energy, but rather a property of space itself.

3. What is dark energy and how does it affect the universe?

Dark energy is a mysterious form of energy that is thought to make up about 70% of the total energy in the universe. It is believed to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe, counteracting the gravitational pull of matter. Its exact nature is still unknown, but it is thought to be a property of space itself and does not interact with other forms of matter or energy.

4. Can the conservation of energy be violated by dark energy?

No, the conservation of energy cannot be violated by dark energy. While dark energy does contribute to the overall energy balance of the universe, it does not create or destroy energy. It is simply a property of space that is thought to be responsible for the expansion of the universe.

5. How is the study of dark energy important in understanding the universe?

The study of dark energy is crucial in understanding the evolution and fate of the universe. Its presence and effects on the expansion of the universe can help us better understand the structure and composition of the universe, as well as the fundamental laws of physics. It also plays a role in the search for a unified theory that can explain the workings of the universe on both a large and small scale.

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