Fate of matter with universal heat death

In summary, there is a theory that in the eventual heat death of the universe, all matter will decay into low energy photons. However, this depends on the half life of a proton. If protons do not decay, there may be a cosmological era where superconductivity or quantum condensates are more prevalent. In laboratory experiments, these phenomena are most distinct at low temperatures.
  • #1
Loren Booda
3,125
4
Assuming the eventual heat death of the universe, would there be a time when all matter becomes superconducting, or manifests as quantum condensates?
 
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  • #2
I think the theory is they will all decay into low energy photons.
 
  • #4
Might there be an cosmological era when superconductivity or condensates predominate? In the lab they seem the most distinctive phenomena at low temperatures.
 
  • #5
It depends. If protons decay there will be no matter to be superconductive, but if they don't then via quantum tunneling all matter will eventualy behave as liquid.
 

What is universal heat death?

Universal heat death is a concept in physics that describes the eventual state of the universe where all matter and energy is evenly distributed and no longer able to sustain any thermodynamic processes. This is also known as the "heat death" of the universe.

How does universal heat death relate to the fate of matter?

The fate of matter is closely tied to universal heat death, as it is the ultimate fate of all matter in the universe. As the universe continues to expand and cool, all matter will eventually reach a state of equilibrium and can no longer undergo any physical or chemical changes.

Will universal heat death actually happen?

There is currently no scientific consensus on whether universal heat death will actually occur. Some theories suggest that the universe will continue to expand indefinitely, while others propose that it may eventually collapse and undergo a "big crunch" instead.

What evidence supports the theory of universal heat death?

The theory of universal heat death is based on the second law of thermodynamics, which states that entropy (or disorder) in a closed system will always increase over time. This is supported by observations of the universe, such as the expansion of the universe and the increasing temperature differences between objects.

Is there any way to prevent or delay universal heat death?

At this time, there is no known way to prevent or delay universal heat death. The laws of thermodynamics suggest that it is an inevitable outcome of the universe, and any attempts to prevent it would require a fundamental change in our understanding of physics.

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