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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.

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What model asserts the universe will stop expanding A High Density Universe B Low Density Universe C Critical Density Universe D both A and C or E none of the above?

C. Critical Density Universe. This model suggests that the expansion of the universe will eventually slow down and stop, leading to a stable universe.


Will the universe expand forever will it stop or will it reverse itself according to the general theory of relavitiy it all depends on how much matter is within the universe this all depends on what f?

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.


What does dark matter have to do the critical 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.


Is most needed for cosmologists to study the age of the universe?

To study the age of the universe, cosmologists primarily rely on precise measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation, the expansion rate of the universe (Hubble constant), and the abundance of light elements formed during Big Bang nucleosynthesis. Observations from space telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Planck satellite, provide critical data for these analyses. Additionally, understanding the dynamics of distant galaxies and supernovae helps refine age estimates by offering insights into the universe's expansion history.


Do supernovas send out elements of life?

Yes, supernovas are responsible for creating and dispersing elements critical for life, such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, into the universe. These elements are formed in the extreme conditions present during the explosive death of massive stars and are then incorporated into new stars, planets, and eventually life forms.

Related Questions

What model asserts the universe will stop expanding A High Density Universe B Low Density Universe C Critical Density Universe D both A and C or E none of the above?

C. Critical Density Universe. This model suggests that the expansion of the universe will eventually slow down and stop, leading to a stable universe.


What does it mean when you say that the universe is below the critical density?

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.


What is 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.


Compare and contrast average density and critical density?

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.... :)


What is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the 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.


Will the universe expand forever will it stop or will it reverse itself according to the general theory of relavitiy it all depends on how much matter is within the universe this all depends on what f?

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.


What does dark matter have to do the critical 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.


Why are measurements of the current density of the universe important?

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.


How dense is dark matter?

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.


What is the significance of the omega 0 in the context of astrophysics and cosmology?

In astrophysics and cosmology, the symbol omega () represents the density parameter of the universe. When omega is equal to 1 (1), it signifies a critical density where the universe is flat and will continue expanding forever. Omega 0 () specifically refers to the initial density of the universe at the beginning of time, playing a crucial role in determining the fate and structure of the universe.


What is the greatest power in the universe?

Many scientists believe that the greatest power in the universe is gravity. It is a fundamental force that governs the motion of planets, stars, galaxies, and even light itself. Gravity plays a critical role in shaping the structure and behavior of our universe.


What is a close universe?

The universe may be: 1) "open", which means it will continue to expand forever but at a decreasing rate. 2) "flat", which means it will eventually stop expanding but never reverse. 3) "closed", which means the universe will expand to a maximum size and then collapse in upon itself in a reversal of the big bang. The total mass-density of the universe determines which scenario will be realized. At a critical mass-density, the universe is flat. Some research has drawn scientists to believe the expansion of universe is actually accelerating. That means that the universe may actually be expanding more and more rapidly, due to a force called "dark energy". The existence of this dark energy would complicate all of the above scenarios.