Is the Universe really infinite/absolute 0

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of absolute zero and the average temperature of the universe, which is approximately 2.73 Kelvin. Participants argue that if the universe were infinite, the average temperature should theoretically be zero due to the infinite range of temperatures. However, they highlight that there is no definitive evidence supporting the idea of an infinite universe, as the observable universe is finite. The conversation concludes that the implications of the universe's finiteness or infiniteness may not significantly impact our understanding of its properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics, specifically the concept of absolute zero.
  • Familiarity with cosmology and the observable universe.
  • Basic knowledge of statistical averages and their implications in physical contexts.
  • Awareness of the current scientific consensus regarding the temperature of the universe.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of absolute zero in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the concept of homogeneity in cosmology and its effects on temperature averages.
  • Study the observable universe's boundaries and its significance in modern astrophysics.
  • Investigate theories regarding the finiteness or infiniteness of the universe.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and students of cosmology who are interested in the fundamental properties of the universe and the implications of temperature on cosmic theories.

mcafej
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Ok, so I was just thinking about this today. First off, I was thinking about absolute zero, and how they say it's impossible, but then I thought about what the average temp. of the universe is. According to several internet sources, the current average temp is about 2.73 kelvin. I was wondering, how is that possible if the universe is infinite if the average temperature is above 0 (because you would end up getting all the temperatures over the area, which is infinite, so you would end with an average temp of 0)?
 
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There is no evidence that the universe is infinite. The observable universe, which is the part that we can see and interact with, is clearly finite.
 
mcafej said:
Ok, so I was just thinking about this today. First off, I was thinking about absolute zero, and how they say it's impossible, but then I thought about what the average temp. of the universe is. According to several internet sources, the current average temp is about 2.73 kelvin. I was wondering, how is that possible if the universe is infinite if the average temperature is above 0 (because you would end up getting all the temperatures over the area, which is infinite, so you would end with an average temp of 0)?

There is zero evidence either way as to whether or not the universe is infinite or finite, but what difference does it make? Given homogeneity, why would you expect the average for one big volume (say the size of the observable universe) to be different than another big volume?
 

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