Suppose the inflationary epoch lasted 10^-32 seconds. How much mass could have been created in a virtual pair during this time without violating the law of conservation of energy? A)2 × 10^-27 kg, about the mass of one hydrogen atom B)10^-19 kg C)about 1 kg D)2 × 10³⁰ kg, about the mass of the Sun

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According to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the energy-time uncertainty relation allows for the creation of virtual particles. The energy associated with the mass of a virtual particle pair can be calculated using E=mc², and the uncertainty principle ΔEΔt ≈ ħ/2. Solving for mass, m ≈ ħ/(2c²Δt), gives approximately 10⁻¹⁹ kg for Δt = 10⁻³² seconds.

Suppose the Inflationary Epoch Lasted 10-32 Seconds

Suppose the Inflationary Epoch Lasted 10^-32 Seconds