Unraveling the Mystery of the Expanding Universe

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Superheavy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Expanding Universe
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the concept of the expanding universe, emphasizing that the universe is not expanding into anything but rather creating more space over time. The analogy of a balloon is used to illustrate how space can increase without an external boundary. Participants debate the definitions of dimensions, asserting that a line is one-dimensional, a square is two-dimensional, and a cube is three-dimensional, while also touching on the implications of string theory, which posits up to 11 dimensions. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding dimensionality in both mathematics and physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic cosmology concepts, particularly the metric expansion of space.
  • Familiarity with dimensional analysis in mathematics and physics.
  • Knowledge of string theory and its implications regarding higher dimensions.
  • Ability to interpret analogies in scientific discussions, such as the balloon analogy for expansion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the metric expansion of space and its implications for cosmology.
  • Study dimensional analysis and its applications in physics and mathematics.
  • Explore string theory, focusing on its proposed dimensions and their significance.
  • Examine the use of analogies in scientific explanations and their effectiveness in conveying complex concepts.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, cosmologists, mathematicians, and anyone interested in the fundamental nature of the universe and its dimensions.

  • #31
Lets go back to the original question
If the universe is expanding then what is it expanding in to?
Good question
The universe is not expanding like an explosion that we see on earth.
The space between the components of the universe is increasing.
This is hard to understand but this is what scientist tells us.
Yes space is being created out of what we call nothing.
Check this out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_energy
 
Space news on Phys.org
  • #32
Maybe I missed something but what is the heavyweight division
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Merely a thought of where the universe expands into
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
619
High School Expansion of the Universe
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
High School Expanding Universe -- What is it expanding into?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
High School How can an infinite universe expand?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
High School What is the Universe expanding into?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Mass in an expanding or static spherical distribution of matter
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Particle production in an expanding universe?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School What Would You See at the Edge of the Expanding Universe?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
High School Do Atoms Expand with the Universe?
  • · Replies 76 ·
3
Replies
76
Views
7K
Undergrad Question about the expanding Universe and the Andromeda Galaxy
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K