A postulated inflationary era in which the early universe expanded in size by a factor of 1030 in approximately 10- 36 seconds is incompatible with the theory of relativity because the universe would have expanded faster than the speed of light.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The theory of inflation, which posits a rapid expansion of the early universe, does not violate the theory of relativity. This is because the expansion described is an expansion of space itself, not objects moving through space faster than the speed of light. General relativity actually allows for such expansion.

A Postulated Inflationary Era in Which the Early Universe Expanded