The future of the overall universe, in terms of its ultimate evolution and whether it will expand forever or eventually contract again, depends MOST directly on which of these parameters?
A) present volume of the universe
B) amount of matter and energy within the universe
C) intensity of cosmic microwave background radiation
D) temperature of the gas within the universe

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The future of the universe's expansion or contraction is most directly influenced by the amount of matter and energy within it. This is because the total matter and energy determine the gravitational forces that can slow down the expansion, potentially leading to a contraction, or if insufficient, allow the expansion to continue indefinitely.

The Future of the Overall Universe, in Terms of Its