Big Bang singularity: can we say anything about its size?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the characteristics of the Big Bang singularity, questioning whether it can be defined as finite or infinite. Participants argue that if the singularity is infinite, then the Universe must have always been infinite, contradicting the notion of a transition from finite to infinite post-Big Bang. The concept of cosmological inflation is also examined, raising questions about the relationship between spatial expansion and volume. Insights articles, particularly "Intro to Big Bang and Infinity Concepts," are recommended for further understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Big Bang cosmology
  • Familiarity with the concept of singularities in physics
  • Knowledge of cosmological inflation theories
  • Basic grasp of spatial expansion versus volume
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "Intro to Big Bang and Infinity Concepts" for foundational knowledge
  • Explore the implications of singularities in modern physics
  • Investigate the principles of cosmological inflation and its effects on the Universe
  • Study the relationship between spatial expansion and volume in cosmology
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of the Universe's origin and expansion.

iantresman
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TL;DR
Has the Universe been anything other than infinite? (ie finite)
The Big Bang is sometimes described as started from a singularity, which I have interpreted as meaning that its characteristics are undefineḍ. If that is the case, can we not even say that the Universe as a singularity was still infinite? Otherwise we are implying that the singularity was finite, and at some point after the Big Bang, there must have been a point in time when there was a transition from finite to infinite.

Cosmological inflation suggests that the Universe is expanding. Is this by volume? That doesn't make sense to me. If the Universe is infinite in volume, at no point during the inflationary period could it have been anything less than infinite? Or does this suggest that spatial expansion is not related to volume?
 
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