Mass-energy equivalence and how it relates to the content of the universe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of mass-energy equivalence and its relationship to the total mass-energy in the universe, particularly in the context of the big bang and the formation of matter over time. Participants explore how these ideas connect to thermodynamics and entropy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in how mass-energy equivalence relates to the total mass-energy in the universe, suggesting that all matter originated from energy released during the big bang.
  • Another participant agrees that everything around us was present at the big bang, noting that only the configuration has changed.
  • A participant questions whether the process of matter formation is solely due to mass-energy conversion or if it connects to other theories, indicating a desire for more information on the subject.
  • One participant suggests that thermodynamics and entropy might be relevant areas to explore further in relation to mass-energy equivalence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While there is some agreement on the idea that all matter originated from the big bang, there remains uncertainty regarding the specific processes involved and whether they are solely due to mass-energy conversion or related to other theories. The discussion does not reach a consensus on these points.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding and seek clarification on the connections between mass-energy equivalence, thermodynamics, and the evolution of the universe. There are indications of missing assumptions and a need for further exploration of related theories.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in the foundational concepts of physics, particularly those studying mass-energy equivalence, thermodynamics, and the origins of the universe.

smulc
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I've always been interested in Physics so have finally decided to do a Physics degree. I've been reading various things to help prepare myself and have just been reading about the laws of thermodynamics and mass-energy equivalence. As I'm reading through different articles about these subjects I've been surprised at the lack of mention about how this relates to the total mass-energy in the universe.

It's my understanding that everything that exists, right down to the atoms in our bones came from the energy that was released in the big bang. Over time as the universe cooled, some of this energy became sub atomic particles, then atoms were born. So essentially through mass-energy conversion the energy that existed back then exists in everything around us. So, for example, following this keyboard back through time would show that every part of it was in existence back then but obviously in different form. Am I understanding this right? Most of what I've been reading seems to relate to things on a much smaller scale so I'm not sure if I'm misinterpreting things or if what I'm thinking about relates to a completely different theory.

It's probably a silly question but I'm still learning.
 
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You are correct, everything you see around you was present at the big bang. It's just the configuration that has changed.
 
Thanks for clarifying that.

Is this process solely down to mass-energy conversion or does it relate to any other theorys? Like I said previously I've been reading about this theory but found very little mention of how it relates to the universe. Is it just not mentioned because it's obvious or could I find more information about it in a slightly different subject?
 
smulc said:
Thanks for clarifying that.

Is this process solely down to mass-energy conversion or does it relate to any other theorys? Like I said previously I've been reading about this theory but found very little mention of how it relates to the universe. Is it just not mentioned because it's obvious or could I find more information about it in a slightly different subject?

Thermodynamics and entropy might be good places to start.
 

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