Acceleration in the rate of expanansion of the universe due to weakening gravity? Could the acceleration in the rate of expansion of the universe be due to the weakening of gravitational forces, as the distance between objects continues to increase?

Widersinnby7

Widersinnby7

Answered question

2022-11-05

Acceleration in the rate of expanansion of the universe due to weakening gravity?
Could the acceleration in the rate of expansion of the universe be due to the weakening of gravitational forces, as the distance between objects continues to increase?

Answer & Explanation

apopihvj

apopihvj

Beginner2022-11-06Added 20 answers

I guess that you are imagining an expansive force accelerating the Universe versus gravity pulling the Universe together, and that if somehow gravity were weaker, the expansive force would win. That is not the correct picture.
In popular models, the accelerating Universe is caused by gravity, because of a vacuum energy with negative pressure (see dark energy/cosmological constant/quintessence). This statement requires a much fuller explanation.
A weakened gravity would merely dampen any gravitational contraction in a model without dark energy, or amplify any expansion in a model with dark energy. A weakened gravity wouldn't help with the underlying problem, namely, why is the Universe accelerating?
anraszbx

anraszbx

Beginner2022-11-07Added 2 answers

I think the term acceleration implies a change in direction of the net forces acting on galaxies on the large scale. Gravity (regardless of magnitude) acts to collect the galaxies, while the acceleration acts in the opposite direction.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Force, Motion and Energy

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?