How does the cosmological constant differ from quintessence?
A) The cosmological constant is a specific physical effect that can be described mathematically, whereas quintessence is the total of all indefinable properties that make the universe what it is at any given time.
B) The cosmological constant provides an accelerating force in the universal expansion, whereas quintessence provides a decelerating term; it is the balance between the cosmological constant and quintessence that determines whether the expansion accelerates or decelerates.
C) There is essentially no difference; basically, quintessence is the modern name for the cosmological constant.
D) The cosmological constant provides a constant accelerating force in the universal expansion, whereas quintessence can change as the expansion proceeds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cosmological constant is a fixed value that contributes to the acceleration of the universe's expansion, while quintessence is a hypothetical form of dark energy with a dynamic equation of state, meaning its effect on the universe's expansion can vary over time.

How Does the Cosmological Constant Differ from Quintessence