Is There A Set Number Of Atoms In The Universe?

Question

Since matter cannot be created or destroyed, does that mean everything in the universe was created out of something else's atoms, including you & me?

Answer 1

Matter can be created and destroyed..

Think of it this way, atoms are made of energy. We can break these atoms apart to get that energy. This is what nuclear power plants are all about. But energy cannot be created or destroyed. There IS a set amount of energy in the universe. That energy can be used to create more atoms, and those atoms can be destroyed to release that energy.

Answer 2

No, there is not a set number of atoms in the universe.  Among other things, stars are continuously converting hydrogen into helium.  This causes a net loss of 3 atoms per atom of helium created.

Most atoms in Earth's biosphere have been part of something else many times before.  Each breath you take contains atoms which were inhaled by Napoleon, to give just one example.

Answer 3

Indirectly, yes everything may have been created out of  something else's atoms, however the answer to your question is no.

Depending on what theory you find to be true, there are several ideas regarding the creation / destruction of matter. One that you may want to look into is that concerning black holes, which have been proven to exist to some extent.

Answer 4

Something like that. I believe so.

Except that I heard scientists have discovered that you can convert matter and energy.

So... I think in natural circumstances, all of the atoms should remain constant.

Answer 5

No, atoms can be created or destroyed.  They just have to come from some type of matter, known as subatomic particles, or through the fission or fusion of other atoms.

We were created out of atoms made by stars like our sun.