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Post by abacus9900 on Oct 17, 2011 10:21:42 GMT 1
Well, if we accept that there is only a finite amount of energy/matter in the universe and that the universe is a closed system, i.e. not able to exchange matter with anything outside of it, then as it expands it will diffuse its energy/matter and eventually be so thinly spread out it will end up as a uniform 'soup'. Every system (planets, stars, you, me) is gradually turning into heat energy and will eventually break down and become uniform.
Naturally, this is all based on our current understanding of physics which could change in the future.
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Post by robinpike on Nov 21, 2011 14:04:00 GMT 1
Actually current theories propose that the total energy in the universe is exactly zero. The positive energy (mass, energy etc) is balanced by negative gravitational energy. www.astrosociety.org/pubs/mercury/31_02/nothing.htmlAs the link comments, the universe may be the ultimate free lunch. The problem with the above is that a 'positive' thing and a 'negative' thing are nonetheless two things, not nothing.
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Post by nickrr on Nov 21, 2011 14:57:30 GMT 1
I think that the only problem is our ability to conceive these things. The fact appears to be that the universe does allow this to happen, irrespective of whether it is "common sense" to us.
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Post by striker16 on Nov 21, 2011 15:09:07 GMT 1
Well, exactly, otherwise where would any useful energy come from to do work? I think saying the net energy in the universe is zero should be taken in the context of a mathematical aggregate.
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Post by nickrr on Nov 26, 2011 18:39:03 GMT 1
This is wrong. Do we have all the answers? Of course not. But huge progress has been made in understanding these basic issues in the last few decades and just because we don't know everything doesn't mean that what we do know is "metaphysics".
You also have to bear in mind that just because you don't understand something doesn't mean that everyone doesn't.
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Post by buckleymanor1 on Sept 19, 2012 8:31:13 GMT 1
Are these possible? Do any examples exist? I know it's a bit late in the thread but I thought this chap could do with a mention.. www.orffyreus.org/The link does not want to work you might want to try googling Johan Bessler.
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