How many atoms are there in the universe

The number of atoms in the entire observable universe is estimated to be within the range of 1078 to 1082. We’ve added the word ‘observable’ because we realize that there are really many things to discover about the entire universe so, basically, that range back there is only an estimate based upon what we currently know.









Now, before you go on wondering as to whether, because of the Universe’s expansion and all, this number can be growing, note that what’s taking place is simply a mere expansion or dispersion of the masses that make up the Universe. That is, no amount of matter that wasn’t there in the beginning is ever added during this expansion.

Another slight complication that you might want to take into consideration is Einstein’s equivalence of mass and energy. Hence, between all the fusions and fissions, you’ll have chunks of atoms converted from particles to energies and back. Still, you might want to know how in the world (or universe) were scientists able to get even just a rough estimate, so sit back and enjoy a few seconds of some simple math and a lot of guesswork.

Let’s start with the biggest lump of matter or atoms in the Universe – the galaxies. While a German supercomputer recently ran a simulation and obtained around 500 billion as its estimate, lets try to be a little conservative and assume that there are just around 300 billion. Now, since the number of stars in a galaxy can run up to 400 billion, then the total number of stars may very well be around 1.2×1023. Let’s just peg that at 1023.

We’ll have to use scientific notation from this point onwards as the numbers we’ll be dealing with are going to be very large.


Read more: http://www.universetoday.com/36302/atoms…

Alright, atoms are the smallest unit of matter on the planet that scientists work with. Our human body is made up of over three trillion atoms (prediction by scientists), so you can do the math if 3 trillion atoms multiplied by over 2 billion humans. That's just humans, so then you'll need to do the math for everything else the planet EARTH has alone. Then, measure all the other planets, and, since the universe is constantly said to be expanding, your answer will come out to Unlimited.