The energy of the universe
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The Energy of the Universe: A Comprehensive Overview
Total Energy of the Universe: Zero-Energy Hypothesis
The concept of the universe's total energy being zero is a significant topic in cosmology. This hypothesis suggests that the positive energy in the form of matter is exactly balanced by the negative energy in the form of gravity. This idea is supported by the conservation laws applied to Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) cosmologies, which indicate a zero total energy irrespective of the spatial curvature when the cosmological constant is zero1. This zero-energy universe hypothesis is further reinforced by calculations using the Landau-Lifshitz pseudotensor, which show that the total energy of a spatially closed universe is zero at all times, regardless of the cosmic fluid's equation of state3. Additionally, teleparallel gravity models also support this notion, demonstrating that the total energy vanishes independently of the pseudotensor used4.
Gravitational Energy and Its Role
Gravitational energy plays a crucial role in the evolution of the universe. During inflation, the vacuum energy driving the accelerated expansion and the creation of matter is derived from the gravitational field's energy3. This gravitational energy is also utilized in certain cosmological models that allow for particle creation, using it directly as an energy source3. The interplay between gravitational energy and other forms of energy is essential for understanding the universe's dynamics.
Dark Energy and the Cosmological Constant
Dark energy, often associated with Einstein's cosmological constant (Lambda), is a significant component of the universe's energy density. It is characterized by negative pressure, causing the cosmic expansion to accelerate6 8. The concept of dark energy being dynamic, evolving over time, provides an appealing explanation for its current dominance in the universe. This dynamical nature of dark energy could potentially be detected through future cosmological observations6. Theories involving evolving scalar fields suggest that dark energy's dominance is due to internal dynamical properties, locking into a negative pressure state at the onset of matter domination8.
Energy Hierarchy and Transformity
The principles of energy hierarchy, developed for various scales of time and space, are consistent with many properties of the universe discovered through astrophysics and cosmology. Energy and mass are concentrated by the self-organization of matter aggregates, such as galaxies, stars, and black holes. As energy transforms through different stages, its concentration increases at centers, while energy flows decrease2. The concept of emergy (spelled with an "m") and transformities (emergy/energy) helps position each form of energy within the universal energy hierarchy, providing a common basis for structures and processes2.
Hidden Global Energy and Quantum Theories
The hidden global energy of the universe is a concept explored through new physics, such as the quantum theory of Superunification. This theory suggests that the cosmic vacuum has a maximum energy level due to its quantized space-time structure, consisting of quantons. The energy accumulated in one cubic meter of space vacuum is equivalent to the mass of the entire universe's substance, indicating that 100% of the energy is contained within the quantized space-time10. This perspective challenges the zero-energy universe hypothesis and offers a new understanding of the universe's energy.
Conclusion
The energy of the universe is a multifaceted topic encompassing various theories and models. The zero-energy universe hypothesis, the role of gravitational energy, the impact of dark energy, the principles of energy hierarchy, and the hidden global energy all contribute to our understanding of the universe's energy dynamics. As research progresses, these concepts will continue to evolve, providing deeper insights into the fundamental nature of the cosmos.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The energy of the Universe
The universe has zero total energy when the cosmological constant is zero, supporting theories of the universe arising as a quantum fluctuation of the vacuum.
Energy hierarchy and transformity in the universe
The universe's energy hierarchy and transformity principles are consistent with recent astrophysics and cosmology discoveries, with energy and mass converged and concentrated by autocatalytic self organization of matter, galaxies, stars, and black holes.
Highly CitedGravitational energy in the expanding universe
Gravitational energy plays a crucial role in the universe's evolution, driving accelerated expansion and matter creation during inflation.
The Energy of the Universe in Teleparallel Gravity
In teleparallel gravity, the total energy of the universe vanishes in a closed universe, independent of the pseudotensor used and the three dimensionless coupling constants.
Highly CitedCosmological imprint of an energy component with general equation of state
A significant component of the universe's energy density has a different equation of state than matter, radiation, or the cosmological constant, altering cosmic evolution and leaving a distinctive imprint on the microwave background anisotropy and mass power spectrum.
Highly CitedThe Cosmological Constant and Dark Energy
Dark energy may have been detected by recent advances in cosmological tests, but the case for its detection is serious but not yet convincing; further observations may be able to detect its evolution.
Highly CitedEnergy in an expanding universe
The energy of a particle or system of particles is related to active gravitational mass and inertial mass, with W and W being constant in radiation, but not in the general case.
Dynamical solution to the problem of a small cosmological constant and late-time cosmic acceleration
The dark energy component dominates the universe due to internal dynamical properties, making the present epoch the earliest possible time for it to start dominating due to nucleosynthesis restrictions.
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