Thread: metric expansion of space

is it possible that the metric expansion also expands space within atoms? I know that the atom is largely space.

I know almost nothing about physics so please be kind. If this is not possible, can i get som links that are contradicting this? (i don't really know where to start looking).

My understanding is very definitely that the space within an atom and between atoms and within a galaxy, or any gravitationally bound group does not expand. However, this is based only upon the statement being repeated in popular accounts in books and internet sources, such as the wikipedia page on the metric expansion of space. I have not read any primary sources discussing this topic and if I did I would likely not understand them.

Originally Posted by fratze

is it possible that the metric expansion also expands space within atoms?

By the time atoms formed, their combined electromagnetic and gravitational interaction was probably far more than enough to overcome expansion. Expansion is essentially a gravitational phenomenon and with most objects, their own gravitational or electromagnetic properties more than swamp any expansion.

Okay, well then i understand a bit more about the expansion, and i thank you.