Space Expansion: Is Gravity the Cause?

In summary, space can expand in the absence of gravity and this expansion can result from extra dimensions decompactifying into our 3 dimensions in areas with less gravity, such as the space between galaxies. There is a solution for this in cosmology, which includes a universe with no matter and a positive cosmological constant, where the expansion is exponential and the Hubble Parameter is constant, or an open universe with little to no matter, where the expansion is linear with time.
  • #1
keepitmoving
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isn`t it a fact that space expands in the absence of gravity? Does that expansion result from the extra dimensions decompactifying into our 3 dimensions in places where there isn`t much gravity (in the space between galaxies)?
 
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  • #2
I don't mean to hijack this thread but is space independent of mass? Is the expansion of space simply the expansion of mass? "Space" is just how we mark it?

I came across this:

If space exists, what is it?

This is the single most important question in modern physics. Einstein himself said that so far as his general relativity is concerned, space ( actually space-time) and the gravitational field are the SAME THINGS. We see it as something that is empty because, in modern language, we cannot see the quantum particles called gravitons out of which it is 'manufactured'.
 
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  • #3
keepitmoving said:
isn`t it a fact that space expands in the absence of gravity?
From the point of view of cosmology based on the Friedmann equation, there is a solutions for this:

(a) Universe with no matter and positive cosmological constant. Expansion is exponential and the Hubble Parameter is constant.

(b) Open universe with small or negligible amount of matter will have expansion that is linear with time.
 

1. What is space expansion?

Space expansion refers to the idea that the universe is constantly growing and stretching, causing the distances between objects in space to increase over time.

2. How does space expansion relate to gravity?

There is a common misconception that gravity is the cause of space expansion. While gravity does play a role in the movement of objects in space, it is not responsible for the expansion of the universe. In fact, space expansion is driven by a mysterious force known as dark energy.

3. Can gravity ever overcome the expansion of space?

No, gravity cannot overcome the expansion of space. In fact, the expansion of the universe is accelerating, which means that the force of dark energy is actually getting stronger over time.

4. How do scientists study space expansion?

Scientists study space expansion through a variety of methods, including measuring the distances between objects in space and observing the movement of galaxies. They also use mathematical models and simulations to understand the dynamics of the expanding universe.

5. Will the expansion of space ever stop?

It is currently believed that the expansion of space will continue indefinitely. However, this is still an area of ongoing research and new discoveries may change our understanding in the future.

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