Is the universe a closed system?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on whether the universe is a closed system and how conservation laws apply. Conservation of mass is not a formal law, while conservation of energy is established and applies to the universe. It is suggested that mass, as a form of energy, is generally conserved. The status of the universe as a closed system remains uncertain, but it is indicated that mass/energy conservation holds true regardless. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities of applying conservation principles to the universe.
abomb365
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Would the conservation of mass apply to the universe? Sorry I looked for awhile for the answer to this question but I couldn't really find anything.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Conservation of "mass" isn't a law. Conservation of energy is, and mass is a type of energy that is often (but not always conserved).

Conservation of energy does apply to the whole universe.
 
It appears you are asking if the universe is a closed system. That is uncertain. It appears, however, that mass/energy is conserved in either case.
 

Thread 'Luminous Fast Blue Optical Transients (LFBOTs)'

UC Berkely, December 16, 2025 https://news.berkeley.edu/2025/12/16/whats-powering-these-mysterious-bright-blue-cosmic-flashes-astronomers-find-a-clue/ AT 2024wpp, a luminous fast blue optical transient, or LFBOT, is the bright blue spot at the upper right edge of its host galaxy, which is 1.1 billion light-years from Earth in (or near) a galaxy far, far away. Such objects are very bright (obiously) and very energetic. The article indicates that AT 2024wpp had a peak luminosity of 2-4 x...
View full post »

Similar threads

Undergrad The laws of thermodynamics and the Universe
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Undergrad Why on Earth do we not see older stars close to us?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Speediest Exoplanet System
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Undergrad Questions on Expansion of the Universe and Newtonian Physics
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Early Catalog of Planet-Hosting Multiple Star (≥ 3) Systems
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Temperature in the space between planets of our solar system?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
High School How can the Observable Universe be a closed system?
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
6K
High School Terminology for motion in the solar system, ecliptic maybe?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
High School Evolution of planetary system around a white dwarf
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
High School Proper Understanding of Dynamical Systems and State Space
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K