Big Freeze: Resolving the Universe's End?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the viability of the big freeze as the ultimate fate of the universe, positing that it will expand to a state of maximum entropy, leaving behind black holes and remnants. Contradictory theories arise from quantum mechanics, which suggests that subatomic particles, including hydrogen atoms, continuously pop in and out of existence. Dr. Michio Kaku supports the big freeze, while the concept of virtual particles and Hawking radiation complicates the understanding of atomic production limits. Ultimately, the consensus acknowledges both theories, despite their apparent contradictions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the big freeze theory in cosmology
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics and virtual particles
  • Knowledge of Hawking radiation and its implications
  • Basic concepts of entropy and black hole physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the big freeze on cosmic evolution
  • Study the role of virtual particles in quantum field theory
  • Explore Hawking radiation and its effects on black hole thermodynamics
  • Investigate the current status of string theory and its criticisms
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and anyone interested in the long-term fate of the universe and the interplay between cosmology and quantum mechanics.

Galactic explosion
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How can the big freeze be a viable option for the end of the universe?

The big freeze suggests that one day the universe will expand to such a large size that stars will fuse all the existing hydrogen in the universe and just leave black holes and other remnants behind, eventually reaching maximum entropy, resulting in a cold and dark universe.

But quantum mechanics states that subatomic particles always pop in and out of existence due to vibrating strings through 11-dimensional hyperspace. The fact of that alone should tell us that hydrogen atoms will NEVER cease to exist, since they are just made up of a simple combination of protons, neutrons and electrons, which are always being created.

I'm very confused with this. Both theories seem to contradict each other, yet most scientists are at general consensus with each of them. Dr. Michio Kaku, Co-founder of m-theory even agrees with the big freeze.
 
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Virtual particles are being created and destroyed constantly. They pop into existence as opposite pairs, then immediately annihilate. The net result is zero. They don't stick around long enough to gravitationally interact.
 
DaveC426913 said:
Virtual particles are being created and destroyed constantly. They pop into existence as opposite pairs, then immediately annihilate. The net result is zero. They don't stick around long enough to gravitationally interact.

Yes, but what about virtual particles becoming real through a process called "Hawking radiation"? I just don't understand how there can ever be a limit to the production of atoms, otherwise our universe would not exist in the first place. Unless I do not understand the whole concept, then please explain.
 
Galactic explosion said:
Yes, but what about virtual particles becoming real through a process called "Hawking radiation"? I just don't understand how there can ever be a limit to the production of atoms, otherwise our universe would not exist in the first place. Unless I do not understand the whole concept, then please explain.

Some of your assumptions are wrong. Have a look at this[/PLAIN] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bang_nucleosynthesis[/URL]
 
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Galactic explosion said:
But quantum mechanics states that subatomic particles always pop in and out of existence due to vibrating strings through 11-dimensional hyperspace.

Quantum Mechanics does not use extra dimensions. This sounds like string theory, which isn't an accepted theory at the moment due to a lack of clear evidence supporting it. QM uses the standard 3 spatial and 1 time dimensions we're all used to.

Galactic explosion said:
Yes, but what about virtual particles becoming real through a process called "Hawking radiation"? I just don't understand how there can ever be a limit to the production of atoms, otherwise our universe would not exist in the first place. Unless I do not understand the whole concept, then please explain.

Hawking radiation produces particles, but reduces the mass of the black hole in the process. After a very long time all black holes in the universe will evaporate and there will no longer be any hawking radiation.
 

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