What happens to the energy when the universe dies out?

[louisbaron]

What happens to energy when the universe dies out? I understand how the law of conversation on energy works within a closed system(somewhat) but what about on the universal scale? If dark energy is accelerating planets outward isn't energy increasing or just staying proportionate?

 

[jedishrfu]

Welcome to PF!

If you consider the universe as a closed system and consider the second and third laws of thermodynamics it will tend to go from a higher energy state to a lower one then I suspect the energy will be dissipated across the total expanse of spacetime.

 

[Bandersnatch]

Have a read through this:
http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/GR/energy_gr.html

In short, it's difficult to even define energy on the cosmological scales.

 

[duhuhu]

Have you heard of the theory of "Heat Death" of the universe?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_death_of_the_universe

It is a fun theory that is impossible to prove, but it is one plausible theory about what the end of the universe will look like.

This link has many different theories that each have different ways for the energy to either be reclaimed, or dispersed to equilibrium.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_fate_of_the_universe

 

[sardar]

I must clarify that the concept of the "universe dying out" is still a topic of debate and there is no clear consensus on what exactly will happen in the distant future. However, based on current theories and observations, it is believed that the universe will continue to expand indefinitely, with the rate of expansion possibly increasing due to the influence of dark energy.

In terms of energy, the law of conservation still holds true on a universal scale. This means that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be converted from one form to another. As the universe expands, the energy within it will also spread out and become more diluted. This means that the overall energy level will decrease, but it will still exist in some form.

The role of dark energy in the expansion of the universe is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a property of space itself rather than a form of energy. Therefore, it is not increasing the overall energy of the universe, but rather influencing the rate at which the universe expands.

In summary, the energy within the universe will continue to exist, but it will become more spread out and less concentrated as the universe expands. The exact fate of the universe and its energy is still a topic of ongoing research and exploration.