Are there any theories that explain where matter and energy came from?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the origins of matter and energy, specifically addressing how they came into existence. Key theories mentioned include the Big Bang theory, which describes events post-Planck time, and the role of quantum fluctuations in initiating inflation. Inflation is attributed to a unique form of matter with a nearly-constant energy density, leading to rapid expansion and subsequent decay into normal matter particles. The conversation emphasizes that scientific inquiry focuses on "how" rather than "why," as the latter delves into philosophical territory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Big Bang theory and its implications
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics (QM) concepts
  • Knowledge of inflationary cosmology and energy density
  • Basic grasp of the distinction between scientific inquiry and philosophical questions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research quantum fluctuations and their role in cosmology
  • Explore inflationary theory and its implications for the universe's expansion
  • Study the transition from energy density to normal matter particles
  • Investigate the philosophical implications of existence and purpose in scientific discourse
USEFUL FOR

Astrophysicists, cosmologists, philosophers of science, and anyone interested in the fundamental questions of the universe's origins.

TheJoninator
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Like has anyone ever said a reason to how matter and energy came into existence?
 
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Hello,

Current science is looking at how matter and energy came to be distributed across the cosmos. A "reason" suggests purpose, which deviates away from science and moves into theology and philosophy.

It might be worthwhile re-phrasing your question. If you are interested in the origins of the U, in otherwords the "how" then you will get a lot of good answers in these forums, if you are interested in the "why" then I am afraid you will not get much back.

Thanks
 
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Thanks. I'll re-phrase it ;D

How did matter and energy come into existence?
 
"Like has anyone ever said a reason to how matter and energy came into existence?"

If I recall correctly, Hawking says due to a Quantum Fluctuation. Others have said that 'this' is just a perturbation about zero.
 
TheJoninator said:
Thanks. I'll re-phrase it ;D

How did matter and energy come into existence?

Essentially Big Bang theory only deals with events following Planck time, to go further back than this you would need to look into QM. Currently there is not an accepted scientific answer. There are some great threads and stickies in these forums to look at. :)

Have fun reading
 
Well, largely this is down to inflation. Inflation was caused by a strange sort of matter that has a nearly-constant energy density. This nearly-constant energy density drives a rapidly-accelerated expansion. And because the energy density is nearly constant, the total energy increases dramatically along with the expansion.

However, the energy density isn't perfectly constant: it tends to decrease very slowly with time. Once the energy density reaches its minimum, the field tends to decay into normal matter particles.

So you start with a teeny tiny bit of this stuff that causes inflation, possibly caused by a quantum vacuum fluctuation, and then the expansion causes this energy to be multiplied by an obscene amount. Once the field that drives inflation decays, the energy becomes the matter we know and love.
 
Philosophical aside; reason doesn't imply purpose. The reason for the magnetic force is found in the laws of electrodynamics. No purpose is implied.

It's legitimate to ask "what's the reason for the existence of existence.". The answer may or may not contain a purposeful agent.
 

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