Consequences of a negative mass universe

In summary, if a universe existed where all the mass was negative but everything else was the same as our universe in laws of physics what would happen? All the mass would repel each other, would negative mass atoms form, would these particles absorb or emit light? What else might be interesting about this universe?
  • #1
olso4051
3
0
If a universe existed where all the mass was negative but everything else was the same as our universe in terms laws of physics what would happen? To be more specific it appears that all the mass would repel each other, would negative mass atoms form, would these particles absorb or emit light? What else might be interesting about this universe?
 
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  • #2
What is "negative mass" ? Anti-matter, which is the only thing I can think of that you might mean, does not have negative mass.
 
  • #3
Well right it would be a hypothetical situation, and you're right it would not be anti-matter. In every equation you can think of the mass would have a negative value, what would happen?
 
  • #4
If unicorns existed, they would have horns.

I mean, really ... if you want to just make stuff up, then make up whatever characteristics you like. It has nothing to do with physics.
 
  • #5
olso4051 said:
Well right it would be a hypothetical situation, and you're right it would not be anti-matter. In every equation you can think of the mass would have a negative value, what would happen?

It's important to realize that our equations describe the real universe. I wouldn't expect negative mass to still use the equation F=MA do relate force, mass, and acceleration. For example, if you put -M in there, does that mean you are applying a negative force now? What does it physically mean? Is the acceleration negative?

E=MC2, how could you possible have negative energy? What does that even mean?

See what I mean? It just leads to nonsense.
 
  • #6
Gravity would be repulsive, kind of...

F=GmM/r2 so if both masses were negative then F would still be positive, however...

F=ma so a=F/m

F would still point downward but since m is negative a would be negative so an object would accelerate in a direction opposite the force, so upward.

I suspect the same logic would apply to the other forces which hold stuff together so stable matter would not be possible in a universe with negative mass. In such a universe there would be no one to wonder what would happen if the sign of mass were opposite.
 

FAQ: Consequences of a negative mass universe

What is a negative mass universe?

A negative mass universe is a hypothetical concept in which the fundamental particles of matter have a negative mass instead of a positive mass. This means that they would have the opposite properties of normal matter, such as repelling instead of attracting other particles via gravity.

What are the consequences of a negative mass universe?

The consequences of a negative mass universe are still not fully understood, as it is a theoretical concept that has not been observed or proven. However, some theories suggest that it could lead to the reversal of the laws of physics, such as the reversal of the direction of time and the reversal of cause and effect.

Could a negative mass universe exist in our universe?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that a negative mass universe could exist in our universe. The laws of physics as we know them do not allow for negative mass particles to exist. However, some scientists believe that it is possible in certain areas of the universe, such as black holes.

How would a negative mass universe affect our understanding of the universe?

A negative mass universe would challenge our current understanding of the universe and the laws of physics. It would require a complete reevaluation of our current theories and could potentially lead to new discoveries and breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe.

What experiments are being done to study the concept of a negative mass universe?

Currently, there are no experiments being conducted to directly study a negative mass universe. However, scientists are conducting research and experiments with materials that exhibit negative mass-like properties, such as negative refractive index materials, to gain a better understanding of this concept.

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