Undergrad Big Bang Singularity: Was It As "Infinitely Dense" As We Think?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of the Big Bang singularity, emphasizing that the term "infinitely dense" is a conceptual artifact rather than a physical reality. Participants argue that singularities, as described by General Relativity, indicate a breakdown of our current mathematical models and do not represent a physical state. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding singularities in the context of quantum gravity, suggesting that a complete theory must address these anomalies. Misner's contributions to the understanding of singularities and their implications for cosmology are also noted, particularly his concept of "Misner space."

PREREQUISITES
  • General Relativity principles
  • Basic understanding of quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with cosmological models
  • Knowledge of Misner's work and Misner space
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of General Relativity on cosmological models
  • Explore current theories of quantum gravity
  • Read Misner's original paper "The Absolute Zero of Time"
  • Investigate the concept of Misner space in contemporary literature
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and cosmologists interested in the foundational theories of the universe, particularly those exploring the nature of singularities and the Big Bang.

  • #31
Is there such a thing as pure, formless, energy ? If there is, could that have been what existed before the Big Bang ?
 
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  • #32
Shane Kennedy said:
Is there such a thing as pure, formless, energy ?
No. Energy is a property, not something concrete that can exist by itself.
If there is, could that have been what existed before the Big Bang ?
No, because again, such a thing doesn't exist.
 
  • #33
phinds said:
No. Energy is a property, not something concrete that can exist by itself. No, because again, such a thing doesn't exist.
According to current theory.

I suggest that mass is a property too.
 
  • #34
Shane Kennedy said:
According to current theory.

As well as all current evidence.

Shane Kennedy said:
I suggest that mass is a property too.

For some definitions of the term "mass", yes, this is correct.

What does any of this have to do with the topic of this thread?
 
  • #35
PeterDonis said:
As well as all current evidence.
For some definitions of the term "mass", yes, this is correct.

What does any of this have to do with the topic of this thread?
What could have "seeded" the Big Bang
 
  • #36
Shane Kennedy said:
What could have "seeded" the Big Bang

Our best current model is that the Big Bang happened at the end of a previous inflation era. But this is still an open topic of research.
 

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