Big Freeze: Entropy or Dark Energy?

[No-name]

I'm interested in the ultimate fate of the universe. And it seems that the most prevalent theory is the Big Freeze.

From what I can gather the BF is caused by dark energy making the universe expand to the point that stars can no longer form, resulting in cold dark space filling the universe.

But then how does entropy play a part? It seems like DE beat entropy to the finishing line...

Or do the two processes go hand in hand in killing the universe??

 

[phinds]

Dark energy causes things to happen and entropy is the result of things happening so I don't even really understand your question since you seen to be treating entropy as causative.

 

[Superm3]

Well, according to the second law of thermodynamics, when energy is used; some of it gets evenly spread out throughout the universe; no matter how small it is. Eventually all the energy will be evenly spread out throughout the universe. This is a problem because we need an imbalance of energy so that useful work and life can occur. Entropy plays a big role in this. Entropy, how disorderly something is, is at the highest when things evenly spread out. If Dark Energy doesn't get us, we will eventually experience something called "Heat Death"

 

[No-name]

Dark energy causes things to happen and entropy is the result of things happening so I don't even really understand your question since you seen to be treating entropy as causative.

You're right, I got confused. I should have said the second law of thermodynamics. Thanks

Well, according to the second law of thermodynamics, when energy is used; some of it gets evenly spread out throughout the universe; no matter how small it is. Eventually all the energy will be evenly spread out throughout the universe. This is a problem because we need an imbalance of energy so that useful work and life can occur. Entropy plays a big role in this. Entropy, how disorderly something is, is at the highest when things evenly spread out. If Dark Energy doesn't get us, we will eventually experience something called "Heat Death"

Thanks, that answers my question.

 

[pmacias]

I understand your interest in the ultimate fate of the universe and the theories surrounding it, particularly the Big Freeze. The Big Freeze is indeed a commonly accepted theory for the end of the universe, and it is caused by a combination of both dark energy and entropy.

Dark energy is believed to be the driving force behind the expansion of the universe, causing it to expand at an accelerating rate. This expansion will continue indefinitely, leading to the eventual separation of all matter and the formation of a cold, dark space.

However, entropy also plays a crucial role in the Big Freeze. Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system, and it is constantly increasing in our universe. This means that as the universe expands, it becomes more and more disordered, leading to a state of maximum entropy.

In the case of the Big Freeze, dark energy and entropy work hand in hand to bring about the end of the universe. Dark energy causes the expansion of the universe, while entropy ensures that this expansion leads to a state of maximum disorder and coldness.

So, to answer your question, both dark energy and entropy are involved in the Big Freeze, and they both contribute to the eventual death of the universe. It is a complex and fascinating process, and there is still much to be discovered and understood about it. I hope this explanation helps to clarify the role of these two processes in the ultimate fate of our universe.