Does physics support the notion of eternity?

[zeromodz]

Or time being infinite?

 

[jsea-7]

I would assume that physics does support the notion of eternity seems as space-time is a continuum and will last for an infinite amount of time. :)

 

[Cryxic]

Or time being infinite?

Most physicists would probably say your question is too philosophical to merit a serious scientific response (the proverbial "what exactly do you mean?" right). However, even after all the chemical and physical reactions have taken place and there is nothing left in this universe but radiation, I'm tempted to agree with the above response that the spacetime continuum will still be here. There just won't be any meaningful objects within it. So in that sense, yes the universe could exist eternally -- just not in any recognizable fashion.

Edit: The only problem with the above reasoning would be if the laws of physics in this universe somehow changed drastically. To understand if that can happen, or how it can happen, we need to more about the nature of reality. Hopefully the LHC will give us some knowledge towards that front and help us establish, at long last, a sound TOE.

 

[rcgldr]

I don't know about the past, but since we exist here and now, then no matter how far into the future something goes, it will all ways be a finite amount of time between then and now.

 

[A.T.]

As far as my understanding goes eternity is analogious to infinity and mathmaticians use infinity, physicists hate mathmaticians that use infinity becaue, as the french don't beieve custard exists physacists don't believe in infinities.

No, its the other way around. Some mathematicians got crazy while trying to understand infinites. For physicists infinite time / force / energy just means: "Ain't going to happen. Problem solved"

 

[Galap]

Hmmmmmmmm...

I suppose that physics sort of supports such a notion given the fact that it is unknown at present whether or not the universe has always had a timelike component.

Here's another way of looking at it: math 'supports the notion' of infinity, and time is a quantity that can be assigned a number for an amount, so if a period of time were assigned infinity for its duration you would have eternity.

 

[Tyrgrendi]

Hmmmmmmmm...
... it is unknown at present whether or not the universe has always had a timelike component.

Since the notion of "always" is only applicable provided that there is a timelike component,
it is true that "the universe has always had a timelike component".

 

[tot]

As far as my understanding goes eternity is analogious to infinity and mathmaticians use infinity, physicists hate mathmaticians that use infinity becaue, as the french don't beieve custard exists physacists don't believe in infinities.

thats how i understand that anyway :) but i learned all i know from startrek reruns and topgear :D

what on Earth are you guys talking about. Most physicists I know accept infinity pretty well.
You don't believe in the reality of Integrals?
We can perfectly calculate Riemann sums with integrals! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riemann_sum
and this is infinite little bars!

Someone should delete these stupid posts.
The internet needs government moderation.

 

[tot]

Or time being infinite?

time is finite when it comes to how long your brain will function! so quit the philosophical banter and study!
Build a particle accelerator!

 

[Cryxic]

what on Earth are you guys talking about. Most physicists I know accept infinity pretty well.
You don't believe in the reality of Integrals?
We can perfectly calculate Riemann sums with integrals! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riemann_sum
and this is infinite little bars!

Someone should delete these stupid posts.
The internet needs government moderation.

Relax, tiger. The person who started the thread inquired about "the notion of eternity" and "infinite time." This is a physics forum, not a Catholic seminary.