COM of Universe: Does it Mean Anything?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jha192001
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cosmos
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the center of mass of the universe, questioning its meaning and relevance within the framework of cosmology. Participants explore whether such a term can be applied given the nature of the universe.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that the term "center of mass" is meaningless for the universe because it lacks a defined center.
  • One participant questions the meaning of "center," suggesting that the concept of a geometrical center may not apply universally.
  • Another participant states that in standard cosmology, the universe is considered spatially homogeneous and isotropic, which implies that a center cannot exist.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the applicability of the term "center of mass" to the universe, with multiple competing views on its meaning and relevance.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on what constitutes a "center" and the implications of homogeneity and isotropy in cosmological models.

jha192001
Messages
22
Reaction score
2
Does the term center of mass of universe mean anything? Why why not?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
jha192001 said:
Does the term center of mass of universe mean anything? Why why not?
No, for something to have a center of mass, it has to have a center and the universe does not.

I recommend the link in my signature
 
phinds said:
No, for something to have a center of mass, it has to have a center and the universe does not.

I recommend the link in my signature
What do you mean by centre? does every body has a geometrical centre what does geometrical centre even mean?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
jha192001 said:
Does the term center of mass of universe mean anything? Why why not?
Not in standard cosmology. The standard cosmology assumes that the universe is spatially homogenous and isotropic. The homogeneity precludes having a center.
 

Similar threads

High School Is there anything in the Universe that is not fundamentally made up of matter?
  • · Replies 87 ·
3
Replies
87
Views
3K
High School What does the symbol ± mean in scientific measurements?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
21K
Undergrad Why does a free rigid body rotate only about its COM when F(ext) is applied?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
High School Why are things the color they are?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
High School Universe Discovery: The Finite Theory of the Big Bang and the End of the Cosmos
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculate velocities in COM reference frame for 2D collision
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
1K
High School A question about why gravity is only attractive
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad What does "m0 → 0" mean in physics
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Undergrad About the meaning of "expanding universe"
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Undergrad Diameter of the observable Universe
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K