Big Bang singularity: can we say anything about its size?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of the Big Bang and its relationship to infinity. The speaker questions if the Universe, as a singularity, was infinite and if the expansion of the Universe is related to volume. The concept of cosmological inflation is also mentioned as a possible explanation for the expansion of the Universe. The article "Intro to Big Bang and Infinity Concepts" is recommended as a resource for further understanding.
  • #1
iantresman
67
2
TL;DR Summary
Has the Universe been anything other than infinite? (ie finite)
The Big Bang is sometimes described as started from a singularity, which I have interpreted as meaning that its characteristics are undefineḍ. If that is the case, can we not even say that the Universe as a singularity was still infinite? Otherwise we are implying that the singularity was finite, and at some point after the Big Bang, there must have been a point in time when there was a transition from finite to infinite.

Cosmological inflation suggests that the Universe is expanding. Is this by volume? That doesn't make sense to me. If the Universe is infinite in volume, at no point during the inflationary period could it have been anything less than infinite? Or does this suggest that spatial expansion is not related to volume?
 
  • Like
Likes PeroK
Space news on Phys.org
  • #3
  • Like
Likes berkeman

FAQ: Big Bang singularity: can we say anything about its size?

1. What is the Big Bang singularity?

The Big Bang singularity is a theoretical point in time and space where the universe is thought to have originated from a highly dense and hot state, approximately 13.8 billion years ago.

2. Can we accurately determine the size of the Big Bang singularity?

No, we cannot accurately determine the size of the Big Bang singularity. This is because the laws of physics as we know them break down at this point, making it impossible to make any precise measurements.

3. How do scientists study the Big Bang singularity?

Scientists study the Big Bang singularity through various theories and models, such as the Big Bang theory and the inflationary model. They also use data from observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is the leftover radiation from the Big Bang.

4. Is the Big Bang singularity the same as a black hole singularity?

No, the Big Bang singularity is not the same as a black hole singularity. While both are points of infinite density, they have different characteristics and origins. The Big Bang singularity is thought to be the beginning of the universe, while a black hole singularity is the endpoint of a collapsing star.

5. What does the size of the Big Bang singularity tell us about the universe?

The size of the Big Bang singularity cannot be determined, but it does provide insight into the early stages of the universe. It suggests that the universe was once in a highly compressed state and has been expanding ever since, as evidenced by the observed redshift of galaxies. It also supports the idea of a finite universe with a beginning rather than an infinite and eternal one.

Similar threads

I Question about the big bang singularity
Replies
13
Views
3K
I Inflationary vs deflationary phase of Big Bang
Replies
10
Views
1K
I Question about "the big bang happened everywhere at once"
Replies
14
Views
2K
I Big Bang Singularity: Was It As "Infinitely Dense" As We Think?
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
I Does the Cosmological Principle in any way underpin Big Bang Theory?
Replies
33
Views
2K
I Some questions about Cosmic Inflation
Replies
4
Views
2K
B Do we still live in a Big Bang Singularity?
Replies
14
Views
3K
I Question on the horizon problem
Replies
17
Views
2K
I Shouldn't the Big bang be physically impossible?
Replies
25
Views
3K
B The big bang singularity and black hole singularity
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top