What is the Theoretical Energy Density of Inflation?

Click For Summary
The theoretical energy density of inflation is estimated to be around 10^95 ergs per cubic centimeter, with some variations in mass density estimates ranging from 10^71 to 10^76 grams per cubic centimeter. These discrepancies highlight the complexity of measuring such densities in cosmology. A significant point of discussion revolves around the implications of energy release exceeding the Planck power (approximately 3.63 x 10^52 watts), which could transform a volume of space into inflationary space, potentially leading to a Big Rip scenario. In a narrative context, a character capable of releasing 9.77E163 ergs/s could affect a vast volume of space, while a lesser release of 1E95 ergs/s would only impact a minuscule area, demonstrating the vast differences in energy outcomes based on the scale of release. The confusion between energy density and mass density is clarified, with calculations aligning more closely to the estimated values when using the relationship e=mc^2.
chasrob
Gold Member
Messages
185
Reaction score
58
I need the theoretical energy density of inflation for my story. I seem to recall it as an enormous 1095 ergs per cubic centimeter.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Here's one estimate-
energy density-inflation.jpg

https://universe-review.ca/R02-13-inflation.htm

Seems to be around 1095 ergs/cc
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Anyone have a link to another estimate? A paper perhaps? I seem to remember a mass density of 1076 grams/cc that I read somewhere.
Thanks.
 
Hornbein said:
A septillion.
You're right. Maybe it's a typo for mass density equivalent, using e=mc2?
 
If anyone cares, the reason I ask has to do with the “physics” of my story. If someone/some entity releases more power than the Planck power, 3.63 x 1052 W, the result is that a volume of space centered on the “release” is rendered into inflationary space and it undergoes a Big Rip and pinches off into another, disjoint, dimension. Destroying all matter within the volume in the process.

My protagonist, a super-powered being, threatens some enormously powerful aliens who consequently construct an artificial humanoid who can release 9.77E163 ergs/s with one punch. And according to my shaky calcs that many ergs would render a cube of space 105,000 light years on a side into inflationary space. Milky Way, galaxy-size volume.

Another odd thing… if the humanoid, Debra, holds back and only hits with 1E95 ergs/s of power, only 1 cubic centimeter would be affected. Little or no collateral damage from that enormous energy release!
 
chasrob said:
Uh, oh. Ned Wright, https://www.astro.ucla.edu/~wright/cosmo_constant.html says 1071 g/cc. Quite a difference. Ten trillion or so? The figure above has somewhere 1094 to 1097?
Oops, my bad. I misinterpreted Wright. I failed to notice that he represented energy density as g/cc, not ergs/cc. Using e=mc2, I get 1091-92 ergs/cc. Closer to the value in the figure above.
 

Similar threads

I Developing Inflation Theory w/o Dark Energy: Alan Guth 1980
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
B Does dark energy or cosmic inflation explain flatness?
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
What is the density of the Carina Nebula?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
I What does the cosmic inflation theory actually say about flatness?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
B Why doesn't cosmic inflation violate conservation of energy?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Theoretical question about a new Energy and implications of using it
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
I What is the significance of slow-roll inflation in cosmology?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
A Scalar Field Dynamics in Inflation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Inflation resolves the horizon problem
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
I Varying laws of high energy physics in inflation?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K