I How is the universe expanding if the speed of light is finite?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the concept of the universe's expansion and the implications of the finite speed of light. It highlights that while distant galaxies appear to recede faster due to the expansion, this does not indicate a shrinking universe; rather, they are still moving away. The conversation also clarifies that the universe's expansion is accelerating, despite the rate of that acceleration slightly slowing down over time. The role of dark energy is emphasized, as it becomes dominant when the density of matter decreases, leading to accelerated expansion. Overall, the complexities of cosmic expansion and the behavior of galaxies are explored, reinforcing that the universe is indeed expanding.
  • #31
Vishal Rana said:
How do u know this? I thought it was accelerating cause of dark energy?

Well Expansion rate can be defined as ##H(t)## where ##H(t)=\frac {\dot {a}(t)} {a(t)}##. Now we can write the Friedmann Equation in the form of,

##\frac {H^2} {(H_0)^2}=Ω_ma^{-3}+Ω_Λ## and Now in here ##H## is Hubble parameter at any time t. ##H_0## Hubble parameter now. ##Ω_m## matter density
##Ω_Λ## dark energy density and ##a## is the value of the scale factor at that time respeect to the ##a(t_0)=1##.

Note: ##Ω_m## and ##Ω_Λ## should be current (Now) values

Now we can re-write the equation as,

##H^2={(H_0)^2}[Ω_ma^{-3}+Ω_Λ]##

take square root and we get,

##H=H_0\sqrt{Ω_ma^{-3}+Ω_Λ}##

Since, ##H_0##, ##Ω_m## and ##Ω_Λ## are constant numbers, we can simply think this equation like this,

##H=\sqrt{x^{-3}}##

and I graphed it in desmos and I get,
desmos-graph.png


As PeterDonis Said ##\ddot {a}(t)## is icreasing but it doesn't mean ##H(t)## is also increasing.
 

Attachments

  • desmos-graph.png
    desmos-graph.png
    4.2 KB · Views: 496
Space news on Phys.org
  • #32
In layman terms, are we saying that the dark energy is/will eventually expand faster than C but that actual matter of the galaxies can not move faster than C because of common relativity? So this is why the standard model does not work?
Pardon my ignorance.
 
  • #33
graybass said:
In layman terms, are we saying that the dark energy is/will eventually expand faster than C but that actual matter of the galaxies can not move faster than C because of common relativity? So this is why the standard model does not work?
Pardon my ignorance.
Dark energy does not expand, but I think what you mean to ask is will the effect of dark energy cause expansion faster than C. It ALREADY causes recession velocities faster than c. The objects at the outer regions of our observable universe are already receding from us at about 3c. Recession velocity is not proper motion, so no speeding tickets are issued.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K