Hot & Cold: Understanding the Universe

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In summary, the conversation discussed the concept of hot and cold and its relation to understanding the universe. It was mentioned that understanding hot and cold completely can lead to advancements in high temperature superconductivity and that until then, theorizing is necessary. The conversation also touched on the extreme temperatures found in the interiors of stars and in the vacuum, and how human beings can only survive at a narrow temperature range. It was also stated that temperatures of two systems cannot be added but can be subtracted when combined into a new system. The concept of pure hotness and pure coldness as forms of mass was also mentioned, with the big bang singularity being described as having both infinite temperature and no motion, making it undefinable.
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Antonio Lao
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If scientists understand hot and cold completely then high temperature superconductivity will become a reality and cold fusion is just child play.

Until then, we can do all the theorizing we want but to really understand the universe we must understand what is hotness and what is coldness.

The interiors of the stars is extremely hot. The vacuum is extremely cold. And yet they coexist in such discrete boundary. While human beings can be kept alive at merely 98.6 degrees. A few degrees (+/-) deviation will cause almost instant death.
 
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Pure coldness is 100% potential energy. Pure hotness is 100% kinetic energy. Most things are just in between.

If temperatures are used to represent hot and cold. Can the temperatures of two objects be added? Be subtracted? The truth is temperatures of two systems cannot be added but can be subtracted only when the system is combined into a new system.
 
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Pure hotness can represents one kind of mass called kinetic mass. Pure coldness is another kind of mass called potential mass. So it can be said that the big bang singularity was made of pure kinetic mass because its temperature is infinite. But the singularity has no motion hence is also made of pure potential mass (temperature is zero from the kinetic theory of heat). It is this contradiction that makes the singularity undefinable.
 

Related to Hot & Cold: Understanding the Universe

1. What is the concept of "hot and cold" in understanding the universe?

"Hot and cold" in understanding the universe refers to the temperature of celestial bodies and the effects that temperature has on their behavior. In astrophysics, temperature is a critical factor in determining the state and behavior of matter in the universe.

2. How does temperature affect the expansion of the universe?

The temperature of the universe plays a significant role in its expansion. According to the Big Bang theory, the universe began as an incredibly hot and dense point, and as it expanded, the temperature gradually decreased. This cooling process allowed matter to form and eventually led to the formation of galaxies and other celestial bodies.

3. What is the relationship between temperature and the formation of stars?

The temperature of a region in space determines whether or not stars can form. In order for a star to form, the temperature must be high enough to trigger nuclear fusion, which is the process that releases enormous amounts of energy and allows a star to shine. If the temperature is too low, the gas and dust in the region will not be able to collapse and form a star.

4. How do scientists measure temperature in space?

Scientists use a variety of methods to measure temperature in space, including analyzing the intensity of light emitted by celestial bodies, studying the motion and behavior of particles, and using specialized instruments such as infrared telescopes. Each method has its own benefits and limitations, and scientists often use multiple techniques to obtain the most accurate measurement.

5. How does the temperature of our own planet, Earth, affect the study of the universe?

The temperature of Earth is a crucial factor in understanding the universe as it allows for the existence of life. Earth's moderate temperature allows for the presence of liquid water, which is essential for sustaining life. Without this, it would be challenging for scientists to study the universe and search for other habitable planets. Additionally, Earth's temperature is influenced by the sun, which plays a critical role in the formation and behavior of other celestial bodies.

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