Why was the early universe's entropy low?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The early universe exhibited low entropy due to the uniform distribution of matter and energy, despite being a hot plasma at billions of degrees Kelvin. The lack of gravitational forces contributed to this low entropy state, as gravity later facilitated the formation of localized matter concentrations. These concentrations resulted in higher entropy states as the universe evolved, leading to increased temperatures compared to the initial uniform gas distribution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics and entropy
  • Basic knowledge of cosmology and the Big Bang theory
  • Familiarity with gravitational forces and their effects on matter
  • Concept of plasma physics and states of matter
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of gravity in entropy changes in the universe
  • Study the principles of thermodynamics as applied to cosmology
  • Explore the concept of plasma physics in the context of the early universe
  • Learn about the evolution of the universe from a uniform gas to structured formations
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, cosmologists, and students interested in the fundamental principles of the universe's evolution and entropy dynamics.

Thecla
Messages
137
Reaction score
10
I have read that the early universe had a very low entropy. I don't understand why. A giant ball of plasma at billions of degrees K with particles moving in all directions. It seems like the definition of total disorder. Why is the entropy considered low?
 
Space news on Phys.org
Without gravity it would be a high entropy state, but gravitational attraction makes localized matter concentrations a higher entropy state in the later universe. These mass concentrations lead to a higher temperature relative to a uniform gas distribution.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K