conservation of energy

[derek w]

If the wave function is being stretched by the expanding universe,where is the energy going?

[Strange]

Not sure what you mean by the wave function, but we can consider a photon in the CMB, for example. That has a wavelength that is about 1100 times longer than when it was emitted. And therefore 1100 times less energy. Where did the energy go?

 

Well, it turns out that energy, and particularly conservation of energy, is not so well defined (or fundamental) in general relativity.

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/GR/energy_gr.html

http://www.preposterousuniverse.com/blog/2010/02/22/energy-is-not-conserved/

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2010/02/22/energy-is-not-conserved/

[derek w]

All particles have a wave function,so does it not stretch the wave function of all particles that travel over vast distances?

 

Could it be that the energy is absorbed by space thereby allowing space to expand?

 

Thanks for the reply.

[swansont]

Conservation of energy only applies within a frame of reference. It is not invariant, so if you change to a new reference frame, the energy will not have the same value. It doesn't "go" anywhere.

[Mordred]

Conservation of energy only applies within a frame of reference. It is not invariant, so if you change to a new reference frame, the energy will not have the same value. It doesn't "go" anywhere.

Excellent answer. That is extremely well defined...

Edited September 14, 2016 by Mordred