Energy and mass, equal in amount in the universe?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between mass and energy in the universe, emphasizing the principle of mass-energy equivalence as defined by E = mc². It concludes that while mass and energy can convert into each other, they are not equal in total amount due to the predominance of dark energy and dark matter. The breakdown of the universe's composition is noted as follows: ordinary matter constitutes 4.9%, dark matter 26.8%, and dark energy 68.3%. This indicates that energy, particularly dark energy, occupies the majority of the universe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of E = mc² and mass-energy equivalence
  • Familiarity with cosmic background radiation and its significance
  • Knowledge of baryonic matter and its composition
  • Basic concepts of dark matter and dark energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of E = mc² in modern physics
  • Explore the characteristics and significance of dark energy
  • Study the role of cosmic background radiation in cosmology
  • Investigate the differences between baryonic matter and dark matter
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and students of cosmology who seek to understand the fundamental principles governing the universe's mass-energy relationship and its composition.

goldust
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Mass and energy are convertible to each other with E = mc^2. Cosmic background radiation average intensity roughly 2.725 K, and it's all over the place with very little variation. Suppose we add up all the energy in the universe, including the cosmic background radiation, the kinetic and gravitational energies of all the objects in the universe, all the electrical and heat energies, is it likely that the amount of mass and the amount of energy in the universe are equal to each other?
 
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I would have to say no, because matter can be converted into energy and back again in nuclear processes.

If at some point in time, the amount of matter and energy in the universe were the same, the fusing of two hydrogens into helium-2 would convert a small amount of matter into energy, offsetting the balance.

We do have good reason to believe that with [itex]E=mc^{2}[/itex], that energy-equivalent of matter plus the rest of the energy stays the same total value. In fact, modern theories say that matter is just a really incredibly compact form of energy, and that the real total energy remains constant.
 
goldust said:
Mass and energy are convertible to each other with E = mc^2. Cosmic background radiation average intensity roughly 2.725 K, and it's all over the place with very little variation. Suppose we add up all the energy in the universe, including the cosmic background radiation, the kinetic and gravitational energies of all the objects in the universe, all the electrical and heat energies, is it likely that the amount of mass and the amount of energy in the universe are equal to each other?

There's no reason for the equality between the entire energies combined and all mass (in your post you mean regular baryons).
Any way it's proven that energy occupies most of the universe, but not our regular type of energy; it's the dark energy.
Here are some numbers:
Ordinairy matter (baryonic matter: neutrons, quarks etc...): 4.9% ( I believe that this takes into consideration the "regular" energy [photons] )
Dark matter: 26.8%
Dark energy: 68.3%
 

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