Expansion

[umjd]

Just recently started getting into reading and learning about the creation. makeup, size, etc. of the universe. Regarding expansion, I think I understand the raisins in the dough theory (that the space between objects is expanding). My question is, under this expample, is there not a limit to the distance the space between objects can expand. If you pull the dough far enough it will break apart, a ballon will pop. Although I know nothing about physics and cosmology, under the "dough" example, I would think the expansion of space could only go so far. Please enlighten me.

 

Thank you.

Edited July 26, 2012 by umjd

[imatfaal]

Just recently started getting into reading and learning about the creation. makeup, size, etc. of the universe. Regarding expansion, I think I understand the raisins in the dough theory (that the space between objects is expanding). My question is, under this expample, is there not a limit to the distance the space between objects can expand. If you pull the dough far enough it will break apart, a ballon will pop. Although I know nothing about physics and cosmology, under the "dough" example, I would think the expansion of space could only go so far. Please enlighten me.

 

Thank you.

Rather than the dough stretching or rising like bread - what is happening in empty space, is that more empty space is being added.

 

In fact your question does have relevance elsewhere - any two systems that have a decent connection now will probably stay together - the Milky Way and the rest of the Local Group are all close enough that their mutual gravitational attraction will be enough to stop them being pulled apart. The expansion is so slow and large scale that most systems that are bound will stay bound - but the gaps between these islands will grow larger and larger.

[umjd]

Rather than the dough stretching or rising like bread - what is happening in empty space, is that more empty space is being added.

 

 

 

Interesting. So, new space is being constantly being created? From what? I thought, the limit of the expansion would possibly lead to a contraction?

[imatfaal]

Interesting. So, new space is being constantly being created? From what? I thought, the limit of the expansion would possibly lead to a contraction?

 

From what? - ay, there's the rub! Find a good answer to that one and no one will be unimpressed. We use the place-holder name Dark Energy - but the truth is there is huge amounts of uncertainty and just gaps in our knowledge and understanding.