Was energy already quantized 10^-43 seconds after the Big Bang?

In summary, the conversation discusses the quantization of energy and the emergence of quantum mechanics after the Big Bang. It is suggested that at the Planck time, the rules of quantum physics began to govern the universe. The question of which particles existed at this time is also raised.
  • #1
CarlosLara
15
0
Good evening. I am wondering if energy has always been quantized. I read that the shortest time after the Big Bang (the time it took for gravity to separate first) was 10^-43 seconds. At these moments of earliest symmetry breaking, was energy already discrete, or did quantum mechanics emerge some time afterwards?

Thank you in advance.
 
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  • #2
This should probably be moved to the quantum physics forum, but, the short answer is after T = 0 + Planck time, the rules of quantum physics appear to be in charge of the universe.
 
  • #3
Chronos said:
This should probably be moved to the quantum physics forum, but, the short answer is after T = 0 + Planck time, the rules of quantum physics appear to be in charge of the universe.

Which particles existed at the Planck time?
 

Related to Was energy already quantized 10^-43 seconds after the Big Bang?

1. Was energy quantization already present in the early universe?

Based on current theories, it is believed that energy quantization was indeed present in the early universe, specifically 10^-43 seconds after the Big Bang. This concept is supported by the fact that energy levels in the universe are discrete rather than continuous, which suggests that energy was already quantized at a very early stage.

2. What evidence supports the presence of energy quantization in the early universe?

One of the main pieces of evidence for energy quantization in the early universe is the observed discrete energy levels of particles such as photons and electrons. Additionally, the predictions of quantum mechanics have been consistently verified through experiments, providing further evidence for the presence of energy quantization in the early universe.

3. How does the concept of energy quantization tie in with the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory states that the universe began as a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature, and has been expanding and cooling ever since. As the universe expanded, the energy within it became more spread out, leading to the formation of particles and the eventual formation of atoms. The concept of energy quantization helps explain how these particles and atoms were formed from the initial energy of the universe.

4. Could energy quantization have played a role in the formation of the early universe?

It is possible that energy quantization played a role in the formation of the early universe. This concept is supported by theories such as inflation, which suggest that quantum fluctuations in the early universe led to the rapid expansion of the universe. Additionally, the discrete energy levels of particles may have influenced the formation of structures in the universe, such as galaxies and clusters of galaxies.

5. How does the presence of energy quantization in the early universe impact our understanding of the universe today?

The presence of energy quantization in the early universe is a crucial aspect of our understanding of the universe today. It helps explain the formation of particles and structures in the universe, and is a fundamental concept that is essential in many areas of physics, including quantum mechanics and cosmology. Understanding energy quantization in the early universe allows us to better comprehend the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of the universe as a whole.

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