Expansion, redshift, energy loss

In summary, expansion in the context of the universe refers to the constant increase in size of the universe as observed by Edwin Hubble. This is related to redshift, which is the stretching of light waves due to the expansion. Energy is not lost during expansion, but rather spread out over a larger space. The expansion also affects the energy of light, causing a decrease in energy known as cosmological redshift. Currently, the expansion of the universe is accelerating due to the presence of dark energy.
  • #1
zaybu
53
2
Maybe this question has already been asked, anyway, here it goes. The universe is expanding and according to relativity, the radiation is redshifted, meaning there is a loss of energy. If energy is conserved, where does that loss of energy go?
 
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  • #2
Newtonian point of view: Since the radiation has a pressure, it does PdV work in expanding the universe, which exactly makes up for the loss of energy.

GR point of view: Since the FRW metric does not have a time-like Killing vector, there is no reason to expect energy to be conserved.
 

1. What is expansion in the context of the universe?

Expansion refers to the idea that the universe is constantly getting larger, with galaxies and other objects moving away from each other. This phenomenon was first observed by Edwin Hubble in the early 20th century and is now widely accepted as a fundamental aspect of the universe.

2. What is redshift and how is it related to expansion?

Redshift is a term used to describe the stretching of light waves as they travel through space. This stretching is a result of the expansion of the universe, as the light waves are being carried along with the expanding space. Redshift is often used as a measure of how much an object is moving away from us due to the expansion of the universe.

3. Can energy be lost during expansion?

No, energy is not lost during expansion. In fact, energy is conserved in the universe and cannot be created or destroyed. The expansion of the universe does not affect the total amount of energy present, it simply causes the energy to be spread out over a larger space.

4. How does the expansion of the universe affect the energy of light?

The expansion of the universe causes the wavelength of light to stretch, which results in a decrease in energy. This is known as cosmological redshift and is one of the key pieces of evidence for the expansion of the universe.

5. Is the expansion of the universe accelerating or slowing down?

Scientists have determined that the expansion of the universe is currently accelerating, meaning that the rate of expansion is increasing over time. This is due to a mysterious force known as dark energy, which makes up a large portion of the universe and is causing the expansion to speed up.

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