I believe over a long enough time, all atoms will turn into iron as it's the most stable atomic structure. And then o. Even longer time scales, it might be possible that protons could decay and we'd end with nothing but a couple of photos in the vast emptiness. But by that point the universe as we now it is basically over
Yes, but even then it will take an unimaginably long time for the universe to maximize entropy. Eventually, all atoms will deteriorate into protons, electrons, and neutrinos, and even all the black holes will eventually dissipate all their mass into energy via Hawking radiation.
Yeah, they won't though.
The atoms will exist even if they merge with other ones to create something else. Atoms don't suddenly disappear until the... dark matter comes.
Tell that to atom splitters.
Also, why can't it just be matter?
Some atoms are more stable than others, but eventually they will all decay into their elementary components.
I believe over a long enough time, all atoms will turn into iron as it's the most stable atomic structure. And then o. Even longer time scales, it might be possible that protons could decay and we'd end with nothing but a couple of photos in the vast emptiness. But by that point the universe as we now it is basically over
Current physics has them lasting 1x10[15] (sorry on phone) years, so not infinite/indestructible
And what do they break down into? Are you referring to radioactive decay?
You mean like until the black era of the universe, when almost everything is eventually consumed by black holes?
Yes, but even then it will take an unimaginably long time for the universe to maximize entropy. Eventually, all atoms will deteriorate into protons, electrons, and neutrinos, and even all the black holes will eventually dissipate all their mass into energy via Hawking radiation.
The atoms that you and I are made of will be mixed and used to make other lifeforms and because the universe is infinite another you and another me.
Everything that currently exists has existed since the big bang and will continue to exist until the dark matter approaches.
No, they won't. They will last 1 month.
so that means we're atoms of other beings from the past?
Not a single atom that makes up you is yours. Its just your turn to use them
Wherever my atoms end up they will still be tired all the time