Replies

1. 
   MarkH | Jul 25, 2013 09:32pm | #1

   Phantom energy is a hypothetical form of dark energy that is even more potent than the cosmological constant at increasing the expansion of the universe (i.e., it satisfies the equation of state with View Image). If it exists, it could cause the expansion of the universe to accelerate so quickly that a scenario known as the Big Rip would occur. If this is true, the expansion of the universe reaches an infinite degree in finite time, causing expansion to accelerate without bounds. This acceleration will pass the speed of light (since it involves expansion of the universe itself, not particles moving within it), causing the observable universe to shrink, as light and information emitted from distant stars cannot "catchup" with the expansion. As the observable universe contracts, objects will be unable to interact with each other via fundamental forces, and eventually the expansion will prevent any action of forces between any particles, even within atoms, "ripping apart" the universe. This characterizes the Big Rip as a possible end to the universe.

2. 
   DanH | Jul 25, 2013 11:10pm | #2

   It's also the energy burned up by all the cellphone chargers sitting around, plugged in, but with no phone attached.

   It's also the energy that a TV set burns when off.

   It's also energy lost through a ground loop in certain electrical power distribution networks.

   The Phantom gets around.

1. 
   MarkH | Jul 26, 2013 09:07am | #3

   Well that too, but my answer was more interesting, I think.

1. 
   Mike_Mahan | Jul 26, 2013 12:44pm | #4

   Not expanding.

   The universe is not expanding. http://www.nature.com/news/cosmologist-claims-universe-may-not-be-expanding-1.13379

3. 
   oops | Jul 26, 2013 01:41pm | #5

   phantom

   Business real slow huh.  Lots of time on your hands?

4. 
   tylercc | Jul 26, 2013 06:59pm | #6

   energy

   Those are very interesting answers, but what I would like to know is how does my cell phone charger or tv use power if it is off. And lets assume it does not have a stand by light. 

1. 
   Mike_Mahan | Jul 26, 2013 08:50pm | #7

   Is it warm?

   If so yes. If not maybe.

2. 
   DanH | Jul 27, 2013 12:38am | #8

   Do you turn your TV on/off with a mechanical switch?  Do you turn your cell charger off at all?  The digital switching mechanism in a TV requires constant power.  A cellphone charger, when the phone is unplugged, still draws a small amount of current -- either a transformer or a "chopper" is used to convert the juice to low voltage, and both will draw some current even with no load connected.

5. 
   Mike_Mahan | Jul 27, 2013 09:02am | #9

   As long as we're talking physics.

   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/25/light-stopped-minute-crystal-record_n_3653385.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=1381947b=facebook