Is Lambda a True Force or Just a Distortion of Spacetime Like Gravity?

In summary, Lambda, also known as the cosmological constant, is often described as having a "negative gravity" effect, meaning it is repulsive and increases in strength with distance. However, in General Relativity, gravity is not considered a true force but rather a result of spacetime's geometry on the movement of matter and energy. It is unclear whether Lambda is a true force or just a distortion of spacetime, and it is also unknown whether it acts on matter and energy or on the fabric of spacetime itself. It is also puzzling how Lambda can have a stronger interaction with distant objects compared to nearby ones, and it is uncertain if its influence propagates at the speed of light.
  • #1
Gerinski
323
15
Lambda (the cosmological constant) is frequently referred to as a sort of "negative gravity": instead of attractive it's repulsive, and instead of getting weaker with distance it gets stronger.

However in General Relativity gravity is not regarded as a true force, but just as the manisfestation of spacetime's geometry on the movement of matter and energy.

1. Is lambda a true force or just a spacetime distortion like gravity?
If a true force, is it expected to have a carrier particle associated?

2. Does lambda act on matter/energy, or on the fabric of spacetime itself? (would a region of spacetime devoid of any matter/energy stretch due to lambda? or only if it contains matter/energy?)

3. How the hell can we conceive of any influence that gets stronger with distance?
Is not distance, by definition, a concept that "separates"? that makes 2 points in spacetime less likely (or needing longer time) to influence each other?
What could be a conceivable mechanism that allows lambda to have a stronger interaction with something distant than with something close?

4. Is lambda's influence supposed to propagate at the speed of light?
 
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  • #2
Sorry I double-posted this question. I had it posted in "Physics/Relativity" then I thought it might better be here in Cosmology.
I already got some answers in "Relativity".
If the administrator wishes, he may move one of both, merge them or whatever.
 
  • #3
An Einstein thing . . . Think about it.
 

1. What is lambda?

Lambda is a symbol used in physics to represent the cosmological constant, which is a measure of the energy density of the vacuum of space. It was first introduced by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity.

2. Is lambda a force?

No, lambda is not considered a force in the traditional sense. It is more accurately described as a fundamental physical constant that affects the expansion of the universe.

3. How does lambda affect the universe?

Lambda plays a crucial role in the theory of dark energy, which is the term used to describe the unknown force responsible for the observed acceleration of the expansion of the universe. It is believed that lambda makes up about 70% of the total energy in the universe.

4. Can lambda be measured?

Yes, scientists have been able to measure the value of lambda through various cosmological experiments and observations of the universe. However, its exact value is still a subject of ongoing research and debate.

5. Is lambda a constant value?

Yes, lambda is considered a constant in the standard model of cosmology. However, some theories suggest that it may vary over time or in different regions of the universe, which is an area of active research in cosmology.

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