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Does the Universe gain mass and energy as space expands?

Asked by ETpro (34605points) September 27th, 2013

It occurred to me that since what seems to be empty space (or in casual terms, “nothing”) is in reality a boiling cauldron of quantum energy densities with particles such as quarks poofing in and out of existence all the time, and that this empty space currently comprises more mass and energy than all the matter of the Universe combined; the expanding Universe must be getting heavier and more energetic. Since the universe is expanding at an exponentially increasing rate, then energy and mass is in constant increase and there may be a critical limit as it approaches infinity that indeed triggers a Big Bang not due to the gravitational collapse of mass, but to a Big Rip. Fun stuff to contemplate.

If intelligent life is around and a new Big Bang occurs, what happens to the information that was in the collective consciousness? Would it be preserved just like the physical laws and constants that govern the Universe?

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