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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of Lambda, the cosmological constant, and its role in the universe. Lambda is characterized as a "negative gravity," exhibiting repulsive qualities that increase with distance, contrasting with traditional gravitational forces. Participants debate whether Lambda acts on matter and energy or directly on spacetime itself, and they explore the implications of its influence propagating at the speed of light. The conversation highlights the complexities of understanding Lambda within the framework of General Relativity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of the cosmological constant (Lambda)
  • Knowledge of spacetime geometry and its implications
  • Basic grasp of particle physics and force carriers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the cosmological constant on cosmic expansion
  • Explore the relationship between gravity and spacetime geometry in General Relativity
  • Investigate the concept of force carriers in quantum field theory
  • Study the effects of dark energy on the universe's structure and evolution
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Astronomers, physicists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the fundamental forces shaping the universe.

Gerinski
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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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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.
 
An Einstein thing . . . Think about it.
 

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