Which statement CORRECTLY describes our current state of knowledge about the future expansion of the universe?
A) The amount of matter (both visible and dark) is only 1/3 of the amount needed to halt expansion, so the expansion will continue to slow down but will never stop.
B) The amount of matter (both visible and dark) is only 1/3 of the amount needed to halt expansion, and there is mounting evidence of a previously unknown form of energy that acts to accelerate the expansion.
C) The amount of matter (both visible and dark) is exactly the right amount needed to halt expansion after an infinite amount of time has gone by.
D) The amount of matter (both visible and dark) is three times the amount needed to halt expansion, so the expansion will eventually stop and the universe will begin to collapse.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Current observations suggest that the expansion of the universe is not only slowing down due to the gravitational pull of matter, but it is also accelerating. This suggests the existence of a previously unknown form of energy called dark energy, which makes up about 70% of the universe's total energy content. The amount of matter (both visible and dark) is only around 30% of the total energy content, which is not enough to halt the expansion. Therefore, option B is the correct statement.

Which Statement CORRECTLY Describes Our Current State of Knowledge About