Is the universe a closed system?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of whether the universe functions as a closed system, particularly in relation to the conservation of mass and energy. It is established that while conservation of mass is not a formal law, conservation of energy is universally applicable. The consensus indicates that mass and energy are conserved, regardless of the universe's status as a closed system, although the definitive nature of the universe's system status remains uncertain.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation laws in physics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of mass and energy
  • Knowledge of closed and open systems in thermodynamics
  • Basic principles of cosmology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of conservation of energy in cosmology
  • Explore the differences between closed and open systems in thermodynamics
  • Study the principles of mass-energy equivalence
  • Investigate current theories on the structure of the universe
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, cosmologists, students of physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental laws governing the universe.

abomb365
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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.
 
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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.
 

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