Energy and mass, equal in amount in the universe?

In summary, mass and energy are convertible to each other and with E=mc^2, the total energy of the universe remains constant. However, when including all forms of energy, including dark energy, it is unlikely that the amount of mass and energy in the universe are equal to each other. Dark energy makes up the majority of the universe's energy, while regular matter only accounts for a small percentage. Therefore, there is no reason to believe that the total energy and mass in the universe are equal.
  • #1
goldust
89
1
Mass and energy are convertible to each other with E = mc^2. Cosmic background radiation average intensity roughly 2.725 K, and it's all over the place with very little variation. Suppose we add up all the energy in the universe, including the cosmic background radiation, the kinetic and gravitational energies of all the objects in the universe, all the electrical and heat energies, is it likely that the amount of mass and the amount of energy in the universe are equal to each other?
 
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  • #2
I would have to say no, because matter can be converted into energy and back again in nuclear processes.

If at some point in time, the amount of matter and energy in the universe were the same, the fusing of two hydrogens into helium-2 would convert a small amount of matter into energy, offsetting the balance.

We do have good reason to believe that with [itex]E=mc^{2}[/itex], that energy-equivalent of matter plus the rest of the energy stays the same total value. In fact, modern theories say that matter is just a really incredibly compact form of energy, and that the real total energy remains constant.
 
  • #3
goldust said:
Mass and energy are convertible to each other with E = mc^2. Cosmic background radiation average intensity roughly 2.725 K, and it's all over the place with very little variation. Suppose we add up all the energy in the universe, including the cosmic background radiation, the kinetic and gravitational energies of all the objects in the universe, all the electrical and heat energies, is it likely that the amount of mass and the amount of energy in the universe are equal to each other?

There's no reason for the equality between the entire energies combined and all mass (in your post you mean regular baryons).
Any way it's proven that energy occupies most of the universe, but not our regular type of energy; it's the dark energy.
Here are some numbers:
Ordinairy matter (baryonic matter: neutrons, quarks etc...): 4.9% ( I believe that this takes into consideration the "regular" energy [photons] )
Dark matter: 26.8%
Dark energy: 68.3%
 

Related to Energy and mass, equal in amount in the universe?

1. What is the concept of energy and mass being equal in the universe?

The concept of energy and mass being equal in the universe is known as the mass-energy equivalence, which was first proposed by Albert Einstein in his famous equation E=mc^2. This means that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa, and they are essentially two forms of the same thing.

2. How is energy and mass measured?

Energy is typically measured in joules (J) and mass is measured in kilograms (kg). However, when considering the relationship between energy and mass, they can also be measured in the same units, as they are interchangeable.

3. What evidence supports the concept of energy and mass being equal?

One of the main pieces of evidence supporting the concept of energy and mass being equal is the observation of nuclear reactions, such as nuclear fusion and fission. These reactions involve the conversion of mass into energy and vice versa, providing direct evidence of the mass-energy equivalence.

4. Is energy and mass always conserved?

Yes, energy and mass are always conserved in any physical or chemical process. This means that the total amount of energy and mass in a closed system always remains the same, even if they are converted into different forms.

5. How does the mass-energy equivalence impact our understanding of the universe?

The mass-energy equivalence is a crucial concept in modern physics and has greatly impacted our understanding of the universe. It has led to advancements in fields such as nuclear energy and particle physics, and has also been applied to the study of the universe on a larger scale, including the Big Bang theory and the search for dark matter.

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