Erik Verlinde's theory proposes that gravity is not a fundamental force but emerges from quantum entanglement, potentially explaining dark matter phenomena without the need for new particles.
Gravity as a consequence of information and entropy
In 2010, Dutch theoretical physicist Erik Verlinde proposed that gravity is not a fundamental force but rather an emergent phenomenon arising from changes in entropy. This approach, known as entropic gravity, suggests that gravity is a statistical tendency toward greater entropy, similar to how temperature emerges from the collective motion of particles.
Verlinde expanded on this concept in 2016 with his theory of Emergent Gravity, which specifically addresses dark matter phenomena. The theory proposes that what we perceive as dark matter is actually a manifestation of the emergent nature of gravity, particularly in regions where space has high entropy associated with quantum entanglement.