Creating something from 'nothing' in our Universe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of how the Universe could be created from 'nothing', exploring the nature of 'nothing' at the beginning of the Universe and its relation to current understandings of vacuum and particle physics. Participants also touch on the implications of string theory and additional spatial dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the 'nothing' at the start of the Universe is akin to the vacuum present today, suggesting that understanding this vacuum could provide insights into the Universe's origin.
  • Others argue that the Standard Model indicates the Universe began in a state of extreme high temperature and density, which differs significantly from the vacuum state.
  • There is mention of the Casimir effect, with some suggesting it relates to virtual particles in the vacuum, while others clarify it is not connected to the initial state of the Universe.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about whether the initial 'nothing' had dimensions or time associated with it.
  • String theories are mentioned as potentially involving additional spatial dimensions that may be undetectable, though some participants view these theories as speculative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are competing views regarding the nature of 'nothing' and the conditions at the Universe's inception. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the definitions of 'nothing' and the implications of vacuum states, as well as the speculative nature of string theory. There are unresolved questions about the dimensionality of the initial state of the Universe.

spacecadet11
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Hello. I have heard a question that asks..how can the Universe be created from nothing? Would not the answer to that question be understanding what that nothing is?

Humans have an idealized notion of what nothing is..which can be far from the 'nothing' that existed at the beginning of the Universe.

The 'nothing' at the start in our Universe is most likely the 'vacuum' that exists in our present day Universe.

And according to what I have read because of something called the 'casimir' effect there are 'virtual' particles that pop in and out of existence in the vacuum. Understanding this..all the way back to the start would seem to be an answer to the question..or does anyone disagree?

Also, is there proof or any kind of theory I can read up on that shows whether there are other spatial dimensions? Where is physics when it comes to answering this question?

Bye
SC
 
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spacecadet11 said:
The 'nothing' at the start in our Universe is most likely the 'vacuum' that exists in our present day Universe.
Hi spacecadet:

The Standard Model for our universe tells us it started in a state of extreme high temperature and density, nothing at all like the (near) vacuum of today's outer space. Also, the casimir effect is not related to this initial state.

Some (perhaps all?) string theories (I, admittedly not knowing much about them, prefer to think of them as speculations) assume additional space dimensions that are so small they can by their nature they can never be detected.

I hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Buzz
 
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Buzz Bloom said:
Hi spacecadet:

The Standard Model for our universe tells us it started in a state of extreme high temperature and density, nothing at all like the (near) vacuum of today's outer space. Also, the casimir effect is not related to this initial state.

Some (perhaps all?) string theories (I, admittedly not knowing much about them, prefer to think of them as speculations) assume additional space dimensions that are so small they can by their nature they can never be detected.

I hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Buzz

Hello..thanks for your answer. I am being a lit
Buzz Bloom said:
Hi spacecadet:

The Standard Model for our universe tells us it started in a state of extreme high temperature and density, nothing at all like the (near) vacuum of today's outer space. Also, the casimir effect is not related to this initial state.

Some (perhaps all?) string theories (I, admittedly not knowing much about them, prefer to think of them as speculations) assume additional space dimensions that are so small they can by their nature they can never be detected.

I hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Buzz

Hello..thanks for the reply. How do you un Italize this forum text? If I have the time I might pursue this line of questioning.
I am thinking at the very start of the Universe. This extreme temp & density exists after the Universe's birth. Or I could be wrong
 
Last edited:
spacecadet11 said:
How do you un Italize this forum text?
Hi spacecadet:

Above the "Have something to add?" window, there is a formatting bar. To italicize some text, first use your cursor (holding down left button) to highlight the text; then click on the "I" button. The unitalicize, do the same again.

BTW: To edit something after you have posted it, click on "Edit" in the lower left part of the post area. Th "Edit button remains available for an hour or two after you post or last edit.

Regards,
Buzz
 
Last edited:
spacecadet11 said:
The 'nothing' at the start in our Universe is most likely the 'vacuum' that exists in our present day Universe.

Did the "nothing" at the start of the universe even have dimensions? Time?
 
Closed pending moderation
 
@spacecadet11 please do a little reading first and then come back with a more focused question and post it in the cosmology section.
 

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