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 relativity restricts objects within space from moving faster than the speed of light, but it does not limit the rate at which space itself can expand. During inflation, space expanded rapidly, but this does not violate relativity.

A Postulated Inflationary Era in Which the Early Universe Expanded