+26 votes
in Quantum Field Theory by
edited by

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
+17 votes
by

The answer to your question depends on the context and assumptions made about the energy levels involved. In general, the energy of the rest of the Universe (outside a given solid) can be much larger than the energy associated with the subatomic particles within the solid, but it's not necessarily always the case.

Firstly, it's important to note that energy is not a conserved quantity on a global scale in the Universe. The total energy of the Universe is not well-defined or known with certainty, mainly due to the expansion of the Universe and the presence of dark energy. So, strictly speaking, comparing the energy of the rest of the Universe to the total energy of subatomic particles in a solid may not have a definitive answer.

However, if we consider a more limited scenario where we compare the energy scales relevant to a specific system (e.g., a solid) and the rest of the Universe in a given context, then it is possible to make some general statements.

In a typical solid, the energy of the subatomic particles (such as electrons and nuclei) is mostly governed by the interactions within the solid and is relatively small compared to the total energy of the solid as a whole. The energy associated with the subatomic particles is typically on the order of electron volts (eV) or a few electron volts. On the other hand, the total energy of the solid, including the kinetic and potential energy of all particles, can be much larger.

When we consider the rest of the Universe, it contains an enormous amount of matter, radiation, and other forms of energy. This energy can arise from the motion of galaxies, the radiation from stars, the cosmic microwave background, and various other sources. The energy scales associated with these cosmic phenomena can be much higher than the energy scales within a solid.

Therefore, it is quite possible that the energy associated with the rest of the Universe exceeds the total energy of the subatomic particles in a solid. However, the specific comparison depends on the particular system and the context in which the comparison is made. It's essential to keep in mind that energy is not a globally conserved quantity in the Universe, and the total energy is not precisely known or well-defined.

Welcome to Physicsgurus Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...