Can Dark Energy Undergo Simple Harmonic Oscillation?

In summary, it is not possible for two small volumes of dark energy to undergo simple harmonic oscillation due to the lack of interaction and the slow frequency of oscillation.
  • #1
kurious
641
0
If the universe oscillates between a Big Bang and a Big crunch,
can two small volumes of dark energy, at opposite ends of it, be considered to be undergoing simple harmonic oscillation?
The potential energy of an oscillator could be given by G m1 m2 /r where
m1 is the mass of a volume of dark energy, the mass of the universe is10^52 kg,r = 10^26 metres - the current
size of the universe . Since the PE of a simple harmonic
oscillator is given by
PE = 1/2 k x^2, the force constant k becomes 10 ^ -37 m2 assuming r is also about equal to the maximum extension of the oscillator.
using frequency of oscillator = ( k / m2 ) ^1/2,
frequency = ( 10^ -37m2 / m2 )^ 1/2 = 10^ - 18.5 per second.
In other words the universe could oscillate every 10 ^ 18.5 seconds - about
its current age!
Quantizing this oscillator gives its potential energy changing in units of
10^-52 Joules.Could this be the energy of gravitons turning into dark energy as the universe expands and the potential energy of the oscillator increases?
 
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  • #2
No, it is not possible for two small volumes of dark energy to undergo simple harmonic oscillation. The potential energy of an oscillator is determined by the mass of the two particles, the distance between them, and their interaction with each other. Dark energy does not interact with itself and therefore cannot be used to create an oscillating potential. Additionally, the frequency of oscillation would be far too slow to be practical.
 

FAQ: Can Dark Energy Undergo Simple Harmonic Oscillation?

What is dark energy?

Dark energy is a theoretical form of energy that is thought to make up about 68% of the total energy in the universe. It is believed to be responsible for the observed accelerated expansion of the universe.

Can dark energy undergo simple harmonic oscillation?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that dark energy can undergo simple harmonic oscillation. It is believed to be a constant, uniform force that causes the expansion of the universe to accelerate.

How is dark energy related to dark matter?

Dark energy and dark matter are two separate and distinct phenomena. Dark matter is a form of matter that has not been directly observed, but its presence is inferred due to its gravitational effects on visible matter. Dark energy, on the other hand, is a theoretical energy that is thought to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe.

Is there any current research on the possibility of dark energy undergoing simple harmonic oscillation?

There is ongoing research in the field of cosmology to understand the nature of dark energy and its role in the universe. However, there is currently no evidence or theories that suggest dark energy can undergo simple harmonic oscillation.

What are the implications if dark energy is found to undergo simple harmonic oscillation?

If dark energy is found to undergo simple harmonic oscillation, it would significantly change our understanding of the universe and its expansion. It could potentially lead to new theories and models that would need to be developed to explain this phenomenon.

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