The forum discussion centers on the conservation of energy in the universe, particularly in relation to dark energy and its effects on cosmic expansion. Participants assert that energy conservation is not applicable in General Relativity, as there is no unique way to define overall energy. Key points include the decreasing energy of light due to redshift, the near-constant energy of normal and dark matter, and the rapid increase of dark energy with expansion. The conversation highlights the speculative nature of theories regarding dark energy and its role in the universe's evolution.
PREREQUISITESAstronomers, physicists, and anyone interested in cosmology and the fundamental principles governing the universe's energy dynamics.
Drakkith said:I believe light loses energy over time due to redshift from expansion.
Nope. See my first post in this thread.ImaLooser said:I thought that total energy was conserved. Energy density of radiation decreases because the volume of the universe increases. Energy density times volume is a constant, as far as I know in a finite Universe. In an infinite Universe then energy density divided by matter density would be a constant.