How does gravity affect the Universe as a whole?

Question

List anything you can think of.

Answer 1

The largest structures formed by gravity are galaxy clusters, which form filaments across billions of lightyears, like highways criss-crossing empty space. Just about everything smaller is formed or effected by gravity until you get to the molecular level.

Answer 2

Gravity will determine the ultimate fate of universe. The universe is currently expanding in volume (size). One of three things will happen in the distant future:

1. The universe will continue to expand forever until it becomes so diffuse and cold that it is basically a frozen relic.

2. The universe will reach some "happy medium" size and remain at that size.

3. The universe will begin to contract and eventually shrink to a point source, releasing nearly infinite amounts of energy (similar to the big bang).

Although gravity is (if I remember correctly) the weakest of the fundamental forces, it is the force that will determine which of the three outcomes occur. If there is enough mass, thus enough gravitational force in the universe, Outcome #3 will happen. If there is not enough gravitational force to overcome the momentum of the expansion, then Outcome #1. If there is an exactly balanced gravitational force as compared to the momentum then Outcome #2 will happen.

I personally favor Outcome #3, it makes the most sense in terms of explaining the Big Bang and represents a cyclic process of birth/life/death/rebirth that seems to be common in nature.

But whatever happens, it will be gravity acting as the primary driving force.

Answer 3

Gravity is a very weak force that only affects large amounts of matter. Galaxies are large amounts of matter. Recently it has been found that there is a repulsive (not gross) force that moves matter apart, thus speeding the expansion of the universe.
The structure of the universe is a combination of gravity and the repulsive force of dark matter.

Answer 4

Space is what drives the evolution of the universe.
Gravity is a secondary force that resulted after the emergence of matter.
It grooms the existing matter in the form of galaxies which will allow the universe to run it's course and eventually go out of existence.

Answer 5

The universe has no gravity and the question is meaningless. Gravity has no effect whatsoever on the universe. Neither does energy nor power.

Answer 6

mass , gravity and balance