Why don't atoms expand if space itself is expanding?

apurvmj · Jan 17, 2016

Hi all,
After the 'big bang' it is said that space is expanding. Atom is almost 99% space then why are they not expanding, same can go with all the stars and galaxies and all stuffs.
Hope this is not sounding crazy. If so pls forgive me.
Cheers.

PeterDonis · Jan 17, 2016

apurvmj said:

it is said that space is expanding

That isn't really a good way of putting it, because it leads to questions like the one you are asking that are based on a mistaken understanding of what "space expansion" means. Bound systems like atoms are unaffected by "space expansion".

Please see this previous thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/how-does-the-expansion-of-the-universe-work.850050/

PeterDonis · Jan 17, 2016

The OP question is already addressed in other threads, so this thread is closed.

Why don't atoms expand if space itself is expanding?

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