Theory 40: A Change in the Strength of Gravity Would Create Disorder in the Universe
1. What role does gravity play in cosmic order?
Gravity shapes the structure of galaxies, stars, and planets, keeps planetary orbits stable in accordance with Kepler's laws, and, on a cosmic scale, governs the distribution of matter and the expansion of the universe.
2. If gravity suddenly became weaker
Astronomical structures would collapse: stars could no longer resist their internal pressure and would explode, and galaxies would fall apart. Planetary orbits would become unstable: Earth could be flung into interstellar space or fall toward the Sun. The universe's expansion would accelerate, tearing apart large-scale structures such as galaxy superclusters.
3. If gravity suddenly became stronger
Everything would collapse into black holes more quickly, and even atoms would be affected, as electrons would be pulled toward their nuclei. The universe's expansion could halt, and a Big Crunch could begin. Physical constants would need to change, and many physical equations, including general relativity, would need to be rewritten.
4. Would a gradual change in gravity also cause disorder?
Even a slow change could have consequences, since the solar system and galaxies are chaotic dynamical systems in which small changes can lead, over the long term, to unpredictable results, the butterfly effect.
5. The philosophical view: is disorder inevitable?
From the standpoint of entropy, any change in a fundamental law increases disorder. From the standpoint of apparent order, the universe might reach a new equilibrium, but one not necessarily compatible with life or familiar structures.
6. An exception: parallel universes with different laws
In multiverse theory, universes with different gravitational strengths might exist, but their laws of physics would differ, and life or ordered structures like our own would not necessarily form there.
Conclusion
A sudden change in the strength of gravity would certainly create widespread disorder and destroy known structures, from atoms to galaxies. The only stable configuration we know of is the universe with its current gravity, which has made life and ordered structures possible.
A practical example: if Earth's gravity were suddenly halved, the atmosphere would escape into space, the Moon would drift from its orbit, ocean water would disperse into space, and life as we know it would be destroyed.
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