When we speak of a critical universe, we're referring to the question of whether the universe is open, flat or closed. This is about space itself being curved, so it's a bit hard to think about. However...
We learned in geometry that the interior angles of triangles equal 180 degrees and that's true -- on flat paper. However, if you image a huge triangle on the Earth, with one of its points at the North Pole, one on the Equator and the Meridian of Greenwich and the third on the Equator at the meridian 90 degrees West (through the Great Lakes of the US), the angles of that triangle would be 270 degrees, since each angle is 90 degrees. This is because the Earth is a sphere (or almost one). You could have the same 270 degree triangle on a balloon.
Now imagine that the triangle was on the INSIDE of the balloon, and the sides, instead of appearing to bulge outward, caved inward. That triangle would have angles of LESS than 180 degrees.
The outer triangle represents a closed universe and the interior one an open one (yes, the balloon is closed, but we're not concerned with the whole balloon, only the part with the triangle on it; another way to say this is to suppose the triangle is on the seat portion of a saddle, which curves up away from it.) The critical condition is called Omega; if Omega is greater than one, the universe is closed; if less than one, open, and if equal to one exactly, flat.
The challenge is that the universe is huge, and from any tract we can measure, appears flat, but that may not be the case with the whole universe.
C. Critical Density Universe. This model suggests that the expansion of the universe will eventually slow down and stop, leading to a stable universe.
Dark matter plays a crucial role in determining the critical density of the universe, which is the density needed for the universe to be flat. It contributes to the overall mass-energy content of the universe, influencing its gravitational dynamics. Since the observable matter alone does not account for the necessary density to achieve flatness, dark matter fills this gap, helping to explain the universe's expansion rate and structure formation. Thus, understanding dark matter is essential for cosmologists to accurately assess the universe's fate and geometry.
According to the general theory of relativity, the ultimate fate of the universe depends on its density of matter and energy. If the density is above a certain critical value, the universe will stop expanding and eventually collapse in a "Big Crunch." If the density is below this critical value, the universe will continue to expand forever. Current evidence suggests that the universe's expansion is accelerating, indicating a low density and a future where it expands indefinitely.
Dark matter plays a crucial role in determining the critical density of the universe, which is the density required for the universe to be flat, neither expanding nor contracting. The presence of dark matter contributes significantly to the total mass-energy density, which includes both visible matter and dark energy. Since dark matter interacts gravitationally but not electromagnetically, it helps to account for the observed gravitational effects that cannot be explained by visible matter alone. Thus, understanding dark matter is essential for accurately calculating the critical density and the overall geometry of the universe.
Dark matter is actually Melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives us color. Black people have 12 Melanin centers in their brain, while white people only have 2. Melanin allows us to covert the Sun's light waves into Sound waves, which gives the universe its shape and us the ability to shape the universe through the law of vibration.
C. Critical Density Universe. This model suggests that the expansion of the universe will eventually slow down and stop, leading to a stable universe.
If the universe is ever to stop expanding and start contracting there has to be a certain amount of material (mass). This amount is called the 'critical density'. So far as is known to date the universe does not have sufficient mass to stop expanding, hence it is below the critical density.
The term critical density refers to the value in which the Universe is at balance. This also refers to the stopping of expansion.
the average density is the total amount of matter in the universe, whereas the critical density is about 10 to the -26th power kg/m cubed (to the third power), the dividing point between a closed or open universe.... :)
The key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe lies in scientific exploration, critical thinking, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge through observation and experimentation.
Dark matter plays a crucial role in determining the critical density of the universe, which is the density needed for the universe to be flat. It contributes to the overall mass-energy content of the universe, influencing its gravitational dynamics. Since the observable matter alone does not account for the necessary density to achieve flatness, dark matter fills this gap, helping to explain the universe's expansion rate and structure formation. Thus, understanding dark matter is essential for cosmologists to accurately assess the universe's fate and geometry.
According to the general theory of relativity, the ultimate fate of the universe depends on its density of matter and energy. If the density is above a certain critical value, the universe will stop expanding and eventually collapse in a "Big Crunch." If the density is below this critical value, the universe will continue to expand forever. Current evidence suggests that the universe's expansion is accelerating, indicating a low density and a future where it expands indefinitely.
Dark matter plays a crucial role in determining the critical density of the universe, which is the density required for the universe to be flat, neither expanding nor contracting. The presence of dark matter contributes significantly to the total mass-energy density, which includes both visible matter and dark energy. Since dark matter interacts gravitationally but not electromagnetically, it helps to account for the observed gravitational effects that cannot be explained by visible matter alone. Thus, understanding dark matter is essential for accurately calculating the critical density and the overall geometry of the universe.
Dark matter is actually Melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives us color. Black people have 12 Melanin centers in their brain, while white people only have 2. Melanin allows us to covert the Sun's light waves into Sound waves, which gives the universe its shape and us the ability to shape the universe through the law of vibration.
If the amount of dark matter and dark energy exceeds the critical density of the universe, it could lead to a scenario where the universe undergoes a "Big Crunch," collapsing back in on itself. However, current observations suggest that dark energy, which drives the universe's accelerated expansion, dominates over dark matter. As a result, the universe is more likely to continue expanding indefinitely rather than collapsing, leading to a cold, dark, and dilute state known as the "Big Freeze."
Measuring the current density of the universe is important because it helps us understand the distribution and composition of matter in the universe. By studying current density, we can learn about the evolution and structure of the universe, including the role of dark matter and dark energy in shaping its properties. This information is critical for developing accurate models of the universe's past, present, and future behavior.
This can be answered in two steps: 1) What is the average density of all gravitational matter in the Universe? It has surprised astrophysicists that this density is extremely close to the "critical" density; above which our Universe eventually collapses in itself, and below which our Universe expands forever. This critical density is about 5 x 10^-30 grams per cubic centimeter. 2) How much of the mass of the Universe is NOT dark matter? What shocked astrophysicists even more was determining that the average density of all luminous matter was only about 20% of the critical density. Thus, about 80% of the measured density of our Universe can be accounted for via stuff that gives off light. The ratio of hydrogen to helium to deuterium in our Universe puts an upper limit on the density of baryonic matter in our Universe. This calculation also shows that the density of baryonic matter can not be more than about 20% of the critical density. These two, completely independent calculations of the amount of luminous and of baryonic matter -- the stuff we understand -- in our Universe have left scientists with little choice but to conclude that 80% of the gravitational mass in our Universe is composed of something we don't understand. And that's why we call it "dark" matter. Since the Universe has a density of 5 x 10^-30 grams per cc, and only 80% of that is dark matter, then the latter's average density is about 4 x 10^-30 grams per cc.