Are atoms truly unlimited sources of energy?

In summary, atoms do not lose energy over time and can maintain an endless energy level, and this is due to their stable configurations in their ground state. The energy in the universe is conserved and there is no evidence that it is running out. The origin of all the energy in the universe is still unknown, but the Big Bang theory and evidence from experiments like the LHC at CERN support its existence. Ultimately, it is thought that the universe will eventually break down and become a sea of low-temperature energy, but this is a process that will take billions of trillions of years.
  • #1
pr0230
First This is not a nuclear question... and I am not a physicist ...

My question concerns the age of ALL atoms in the universe... From the big bang to now we are talking 15-16 BILLION years?... And looking at the galaxies and how many light years they are away from us, we (our atoms) are all extremely OLD... SO how is it that Atoms can maintain an endless energy level... Active Electrons, Neutrons, Protons...
I would think all atoms would be dead (out of energy) at this age point (billions of years)...

Where does all that energy come from and why has it not run out?
 
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  • #2
Where all the energy came from originally is still unknown.
Several conjectures exist, but an honest answer to 'What made the big bang happen' is that we don't know. (However work is progress, with the LHC experiments at CERN being the most famous example.)
Much evidence exists though which indicates that the 'big bang' did happen for whatever reason, and the current model is able to determine various stages in the evolution of the Universe, including the point at which the first atoms, mostly of hydrogen, will have appeared.

Once atoms exist many of them are very stable, although some of them do spontaneously disintegrate after some time has passed - this is nuclear fission.
Stable atoms are very persistent and they don't break down other than in very rare and extreme conditions such as inside of stars - here fusion occurs and atoms of lighter elements can fuse together and make a bigger (heavier) atom. Atoms can also be destroyed when bombarded by very high energy subatomic particles.

It is widely thought however that eventually everything will break down and the universes' fate in the very long term is to become nothing but a thin sea of energy at a very low temperature.
'Eventually' is a heck of a long time though - billions of trillions of years, and the current age of the universe is a mere blip compared to that kind of time scale.
 
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  • #3
pr0230 said:
First This is not a nuclear question... and I am not a physicist ...

My question concerns the age of ALL atoms in the universe... From the big bang to now we are talking 15-16 BILLION years?... And looking at the galaxies and how many light years they are away from us, we (our atoms) are all extremely OLD... SO how is it that Atoms can maintain an endless energy level... Active Electrons, Neutrons, Protons...
I would think all atoms would be dead (out of energy) at this age point (billions of years)...

Where does all that energy come from and why has it not run out?

The problem here is that you have a preconceived idea that the "atoms" should be losing energy. They don't!

In its ground state, the atom radiates NO ENERGY. It means that it is stable in its current configuration. Until there is either a nuclear reaction, a transformation, etc., it will remain that way. So if it does not lose energy as it is, why would it be "dead" many years later?

Zz.
 
  • #4
pr0230 said:
I would think all atoms would be dead (out of energy) at this age point (billions of years)...

Why? It's not like their energy is leaking away or anything - an atom doesn't spend any energy just being an atom.
 
  • #5
Energy is conserved, so there's as much energy now as there was just after the Big Bang. This is assuming that we correctly account for gravity and dark energy in the total energy.
 
  • #6
Khashishi said:
Energy is conserved, so there's as much energy now as there was just after the Big Bang.

If so, have you any references on global energy conservation?
 

1. What is unlimited atomic energy?

Unlimited atomic energy refers to the potential for generating an infinite amount of energy from nuclear reactions, specifically through the process of nuclear fission. This energy can be harnessed and used to power various applications, such as electricity generation.

2. Is unlimited atomic energy safe?

The safety of unlimited atomic energy depends on proper handling and management of nuclear materials. While nuclear accidents can have catastrophic consequences, advancements in technology and strict regulations have made nuclear power plants much safer over the years. Additionally, research is constantly being conducted to improve safety measures and reduce potential risks.

3. How is unlimited atomic energy different from traditional energy sources?

Traditional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, are limited in supply and can have detrimental effects on the environment. Unlimited atomic energy, on the other hand, is generated through the splitting of atoms, which produces no carbon emissions and has an almost limitless supply of fuel, making it a more sustainable energy source.

4. Can unlimited atomic energy be used for other purposes besides electricity generation?

Yes, unlimited atomic energy can also be used for various industrial processes, such as desalination, hydrogen production, and medical isotope production. It can also be used for space exploration and potentially even for powering vehicles in the future.

5. What challenges are associated with achieving unlimited atomic energy?

The main challenges in achieving unlimited atomic energy include the high initial costs of building nuclear power plants, the need for strict safety regulations and proper waste management, and public perception and acceptance of nuclear energy. Additionally, there is ongoing research and development to improve the efficiency and sustainability of nuclear energy.

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