abomb365 Messages 2 Reaction score 0 Thread starter Sep 19, 2010 #1 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.
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.
zhermes Messages 1,253 Reaction score 3 Sep 19, 2010 #2 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.
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.
Chronos Science Advisor Gold Member Messages 11,420 Reaction score 750 Sep 20, 2010 #3 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.
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.