If space is expanding (moving) then does relativity change?

In summary, the conversation is about applying relativity to space and the question of whether space itself is moving. The person posting is informed that their question is better suited for the Relativity forum or the Cosmology forum. The concept of space expanding and its relation to special relativity is discussed, with a suggestion to read the balloon model sticky thread in the Cosmology forum. The conversation is redirected to the appropriate forum and the topic of ATM is briefly mentioned.
  • #1
T.O.E Dream
219
0
Or maybe we can apply relativity to space itself? (I'm just saying that because it's moving although it sounds like it makes no sense)
 
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  • #2
Sorry for saying this but can someone actually help me out on this question?
 
  • #3
You are posting in the wrong forum. That kind of question goes either in the Relativity forum or in the Cosmology forum. Maybe one of the staff will help get it in the right place, and the people there will answer and discuss with you.
(For starters: Just because distances between things increase according to an expansion pattern does not mean that space is moving. It doesn't even mean that the things themselves are moving in the ordinary sense so that special relativity time effects would apply. Approximately uniform distance expansion is not regular motion because it doesn't get you closer to anything. It doesn't fit the special rel picture. No motion effects on time. Try reading the beginning parts of the balloon model sticky thread in Cosmology. Might help.)

No more about this until your thread gets in the right forum. Doesn't belong here.
 
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  • #4
Relativity change? What does that mean? Could you expand on your question?
 
  • #5
Sounds like an ATM topic to me.
 

FAQ: If space is expanding (moving) then does relativity change?

If space is expanding, does that mean objects within space are also expanding?

According to the theory of general relativity, objects within space are not expanding. Instead, it is the space itself that is expanding, causing objects within it to appear to be moving away from each other. This is similar to how raisins in a rising loaf of bread do not actually expand, but the space between them does.

How does the expansion of space affect the speed of light?

The speed of light is a constant in the theory of relativity and is not affected by the expansion of space. This means that light will still travel at the same speed, even as the space it is traveling through is expanding.

Does the expansion of space violate the principle of relativity?

The principle of relativity, which states that the laws of physics should be the same for all observers regardless of their relative motion, is not violated by the expansion of space. This is because the expansion is happening uniformly throughout the universe and does not favor any particular observer or frame of reference.

Can the expansion of space explain the observed redshift of distant galaxies?

Yes, the expansion of space is one of the explanations for the observed redshift of distant galaxies. As space expands, it stretches the wavelengths of light, causing it to appear redder. This is known as cosmological redshift and is an important piece of evidence supporting the theory of the expanding universe.

Will the expansion of space eventually cause objects to move faster than the speed of light?

No, according to the theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. As space expands, the distance between objects will continue to increase, but their relative velocities will remain below the speed of light. This is because the speed of light is a fundamental limit of the universe and cannot be exceeded.

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