Matter/Energy Ratio: Help Needed on Critical Universe Ques.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework question regarding the ratio of matter to energy in the context of a critical universe. Participants explore the definitions of "matter" and "energy," particularly in relation to dark energy and dark matter, and how these concepts influence the proposed answers.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the term "energy," questioning whether it refers to dark energy or radiation energy, suggesting that if it refers to dark energy, option C is the closest answer.
  • Another participant agrees with option C but acknowledges the ambiguity of the question and seeks further confirmation from others.
  • A different participant notes that the general consensus regarding the LambdaCDM model indicates a composition of 23% dark matter, 73% dark energy, and 4% ordinary matter, suggesting that if these are included, none of the provided options accurately reflect this ratio.
  • This participant also posits that due to the uncertainty surrounding dark energy and dark matter, option D (unknown) might be the most accurate response.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the question and the terms used, with no consensus on the correct answer. Some propose option C while others suggest that none of the options are valid based on current understanding.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the definitions of "matter" and "energy," as well as the unresolved nature of dark energy and dark matter, which complicates the interpretation of the question.

sp3685
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Hello, I'm new here. This homework question is really stumping me, I can't seem to find the answer anywhere.

The question reads:

In the critical universe now proposed, the ratio of matter/energy is about:
A) 10/90
B) 50/50
C) 35/65
D) unknown

any help on this would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
 
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This is a strange question. What do they mean by "energy"? Do they mean dark energy? If so, C is the closest answer. If they mean radiation energy, then none of the answers are right, so that can't be it. Technically, mass is a form of energy, so I would say that the person who came up with this question needs a physics refresher.
 
yeah, I originally put C as well, but i realized how confusing this question is and just figured I'd confirm with some of you guys...thanks a lot for your help though...I'll assume it's C but I'll still wait for more replies
 
Welcome to these Forums sp3685!
Well, it depends on what you are prepared to allow as ‘matter’ and ‘energy’ as SpaceTiger said, he beat me to it!

The general consensus is that the detailed observational verification of this ‘Lambda’CDM model is the mass of the universe consists of 23 per cent dark matter, 73 per cent dark energy and just 4 per cent ordinary matter.

So if dark energy and dark matter are allowed the answer is 27::73 – none of your ‘tick boxes’!
But, as we have no idea what DE and DM are, or even if they really exist, perhaps the answer (D) would be most accurate!

Garth
 
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