Radial expansion of the universe and the speed of light

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential link between the expansion rate of the universe and the speed of light, as well as the concept of time being tied to the expansion of the universe. The possibility of the speed of light determining the rate of expansion is also considered. The logical conclusion is that if the universe stops expanding, time and all movement, including the movement of light, would also stop.
  • #1
AugustusM
3
0
Just wondering if the two are fundamentally linked ?

If the universe is in the shape of a 3 sphere and if it's radius represents time, then does the expansion rate of the radius determine what the speed of light is ?

I've also read elsewhere that the passing of time is linked to the expansion of the universe along it's radius. If the expansion of the universe stopped, would time stop. With timed stopped would light and photons then stop moving ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
AugustusM said:
Just wondering if the two are fundamentally linked ?

If the universe is in the shape of a 3 sphere and if it's radius represents time, then does the expansion rate of the radius determine what the speed of light is ?

I've also read elsewhere that the passing of time is linked to the expansion of the universe along it's radius. If the expansion of the universe stopped, would time stop. With timed stopped would light and photons then stop moving ?
Maybe it's the other way around. The speed of light might be determining how fast the universe appears (to us) to be expanding. After all, the speed of pretty much any process here on Earth (down to the speed of chemical and even atomic processes, which still depend on photons and other particles being transferred back and forth at a small scale) can probably be linked to the speed of light. If the speed of light changes, our clocks (no matter what they are made of) and our subjective perception of time will change too. If our clocks slow down (because the speed of light slows down), but the universe keeps merrily expanding at its normal rate, it will appear to be accellerating. Just a random thought...
 
  • #3
Just a simple logical conclusion

1. Just say that the speed at which the radius of the universe is increase is the same as the speed of light.

2. If the universe stops expanding, then time stops.

3. If time stops, then all movement stops.

4. Even light cannot move in this scenario.

5. If the speed of light is now zero (as the universe's radial increase velocity is now zero also) then this means that light cannot move anyways.
 

What is the radial expansion of the universe?

The radial expansion of the universe refers to the observed phenomenon of galaxies and other celestial objects moving away from each other, causing the universe to expand on a large scale. This expansion is believed to be caused by the Big Bang, which occurred about 13.8 billion years ago.

How does the radial expansion of the universe affect the speed of light?

The radial expansion of the universe does not directly affect the speed of light, which is a fundamental constant of the universe. However, as the universe expands, the space between objects also expands, causing light to travel a longer distance. This can make it seem like the speed of light is slowing down, when in reality it is the expansion of space that is causing the delay.

What is the relationship between the speed of light and the expansion of the universe?

The speed of light and the expansion of the universe are both governed by the laws of physics, but they are not directly related. The speed of light is a constant, while the expansion of the universe is affected by various factors such as dark energy and the distribution of matter.

Can the speed of light change due to the expansion of the universe?

No, the speed of light is a fundamental constant and cannot change. However, as the universe expands, the space between objects also expands, causing light to travel a longer distance and appear to take longer to reach us. This can create the illusion of a slower speed of light, but in reality it remains constant.

How does the concept of the speed of light being the universal speed limit relate to the expansion of the universe?

The concept of the speed of light being the universal speed limit still holds true in the context of the expanding universe. As objects in the universe move farther apart due to the expansion, the speed of light remains the maximum speed at which information can be transmitted, and nothing can travel faster than it.

Similar threads

B Is the Accelerating Expansion of the Universe Wasting Energy?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
503
B The expansion of the Universe and time travel (By a non-scientist)
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
939
B Experience Travel on a Photon: Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Universe
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
7
Views
1K
B Energy loss of a photon
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
111
I Has anyone measured the speed of light in one direction?
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
45
Views
3K
B How fast do space-time changes propagate?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
872
B Research Paper: Exploring Decay in c Due to Universe Expansion
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
22
Views
2K
B The One-Way Speed of Light: Speculation of a Tired Mind
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
1K
B Thought Experiment : Try and get Alice to "0%" the Speed of light
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
15
Views
1K
I Hubble's Law and Star Velocity
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
40
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top