Expert: Jayendra Upadhye - 11/19/2004

Question
I have a question about the big bang theory. If the universe had a beginning in the event of the Big Bang does this not violate the law of conservation of energy? If the universe only existed since the Big Bang then it means that no energy existed prior to the big bang, and this will mean that energy was created during the big bang. My conclusion is that if there was such an event as the big bang it was not the beginning of universe because if it was the beginning it would violate the law of conservation of energy. How do you explain this paradox?

Answer
Hi,
Johnny one should never be in a hurry to conclude about anything on a "personal" basis!
I am referring to the scientefic temper here.
One needs to put forward ones theory and then let there be intelligent discussion on it (pro as well as against) for a reasonable amount of time and if the theory stands the test of time and questioning, only then accept theory as fact!
(Officially that is! But to tell you the truth like you i have a number of "pets" in my cupboard too :) )
Coming to your question, The problem is that we are NOT CLEAR about the condition of matter and energy BEFORE the bang. By NOT CLEAR i mean NO DATA is available. Even the Cosmic Background Radiation is an echo that started AFTER the bang.
So how can we say anything on the matter?
Like the Cosmic computer in Asimov's famous "The last question", all we can say is repeat "Not sufficient data for a meaningful answer"!
So I guess you and me must hold our horses on the subject till such time as ...
THAT could be time AFTER you and me are both gone you know!
web links to the asimov story in comic form :
http://ksacomics.com/last/question.htm
the full story in text form on a web page:
http://dookaloosy.dyndns.org/wail_-_thoughts_on_a_book_-_Asimov1.htm

DO READ THE STORY & ENJOY!

Also pls rate the answer.
Jayen