If space is expanding in all directions, does that mean distances between atoms are getting longer, and therefore physical objects are getting bigger?

Question

If space is expanding in all directions, does that mean distances between atoms are getting longer, and therefore physical objects are getting bigger?

In: Planetary Science

Answer 1

No, it does not. The expansion is very slight over short distances so other forces dominate. Even gravity, generally the weakest of the four fundamental forces, overpowers the effects of expansion so it really only impacts very distant galaxies. Objects on a human scale are unaffected.