How Has the Universe Expanded Over 13.7 Billion Years?

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The universe has been expanding for approximately 13.7 billion years, with theories suggesting that its expansion rate may have accelerated due to dark energy, although dark energy remains a hypothetical concept. Some theories propose that gravitational forces could eventually slow the expansion, leading to a potential contraction of the universe, similar to a star collapsing. This cycle could result in a smaller universe with each subsequent collapse, assuming the universe is not infinite. Notably, scientists observe that the universe began accelerating around 7 to 8 billion years ago, but specific rates of expansion during earlier periods remain uncertain. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for grasping the universe's long-term fate and structure.
Bjarne
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How much have the universe expanded the past 1 -2 - 3 - 4- 5 – 6 - 7-8 – 9 – 10 - 11- 12 to 13,7 billion year ?
 
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The existence of dark energy itself is hypothetical, so it would be impossible to quantify the energy properties of dark energy.

With regard to your question of the expansion of the universe, I believe any answer would rely upon supposing the very structure and form of the universe itself, there are theories that would argue the rate of expansion slows down because of gravitational forces acting upon the universe itself. At some point the universe would begin to contract upon itself much like a star and collapse, and the big bang cycle would start again.

Energy would be lost however and each subsequent collapse would yield a smaller universe, assuming the universe isn't infinite.
 
Most scientists believe that especially for about 7 to 8 billion years the universe begun to accelerate faster than expected.

Any ideas how much faster 7-8 billion years ago and how much for 1 to 2 billion years ago. Etc ?
 
You might find the following link of interest which looks at the age of the universe and dark energy-

http://preposterousuniverse.com/writings/skytel-mar05.pdf
 
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