If the energy or matter can't be created nor destroyed,does

In summary, the conversation discusses the origins of all matter and energy in the universe, stating that they cannot be created nor destroyed but only converted from one form to another. It is suggested that everything, including humans, used to be stardust or chemicals that existed after the big bang. However, it is clarified that not all atoms were present in the universe after the big bang, as heavier atoms were created through fusion in stars and supernovas. Therefore, while everything in the universe is made from the same basic elements, new atoms are still being created through the process of star formation and explosion.
  • #1
silvercats
60
0
If the energy or matter can't be created nor destroyed but can only be converted from one form to another, does it mean everything including us, used to be stardust or chemicals or whatever that existed right after the big bang?

Is everything that we use now, are made from the stuff that existed in the universe, right after the big bang? not even a single new atom was created after the big bang?Thanks.!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes and no. The main atoms that existed after the big bang were Hydrogen and Helium. These are the primary fuel for stars. All stars use fusion as their power source and one of the byproducts is heavier atoms - atoms that have been 'fused' together to create larger atoms. Stars above a certain size (about 8 times the size of our sun) will eventually explode in a supernova which ejects large amounts of the fusion products like carbon, oxygen, iron, etc. that are part of your body (the hydrogen in your body doesn't have to come from a supernova). This process of stars creating new atoms and the massive ones exploding still continues today.
 
  • Like
Likes Jewish_Vulcan
  • #3
We are all star stuff. ;)
 

1. What is the meaning of "energy or matter cannot be created nor destroyed"?

This concept, known as the Law of Conservation of Energy, states that the total amount of energy and matter in the universe remains constant. It can be transformed from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed.

2. How does this law apply to everyday life?

This law applies to all natural processes, including chemical reactions, physical changes, and biological processes. It means that the total amount of energy and matter in the universe is always the same, even though it may change form.

3. Can this law be broken?

No, this law has been tested and proven to hold true in all observed processes in the universe. It is a fundamental law of physics and has never been observed to be violated.

4. How does this law relate to the concept of the Big Bang?

The Law of Conservation of Energy and Matter is a key principle in understanding the Big Bang theory. It explains how the universe can expand and change over time while still maintaining a constant overall amount of energy and matter.

5. Does this law have any exceptions?

There are some cases where it may seem like energy or matter is being "created" or "destroyed," but in reality, it is just being transformed into a different form. For example, matter can be converted into energy through nuclear reactions, but the total amount remains the same. Overall, this law has no known exceptions.

Similar threads

Replies
69
Views
4K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
33
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Cosmology
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
108
Views
17K
Back
Top