The Big Bang: Exploring the Universe's Expansion

In summary, according to modern knowledge, the universe is currently at about 0.4 of the required mass to collapse back into its original state. However, it is actually at the critical density, meaning it will continue to expand forever. This is because the Friedmann equation shows that if the universe is at the critical density, it will always be at the critical density. Therefore, there is no reason to believe that the universe would have collapsed back into a singularity moments after the big bang.
  • #1
chi22
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According to widespread modern knowledge, the universe possesses about 0.4 of the required mass to collapse back into it's original state, in a sort of 'big crush',
As the current predictable future of the universe is to expand in an exhilarating speed while 'tearing up' the matter into the most elementary values.
Since the universe is consently expanding in an exhilarating speed, why didn't it collapse back to the singularity at the first moments of the big bang, when it's extention speed was significantly lower?- chi, IL.
 
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  • #2
The universe isn't at 0.4 of the critical density, it is at about (1% margin of error) the critical density (~26% matter ~74% dark energy). This means that the universe is flat (will expand forever), although we can't rule out an open universe or a closed universe.

If the universe is at the critical density, then it will always be at the critical density. To see this, look at the Friedmann equation governing the expansion of the universe:
[tex]
(\frac{\dot{a}}{a})^2 = \frac{8\pi G\rho}{3} - \frac{k}{a^2}
[/tex]

K is a constant related to the curvature of the universe. If the universe is at the critical density, then K = 0. Since we know today we are at the critical density, then K = 0, and it always was since it's a constant. Therefore there is no reason to believe the universe would re-collapse moments after the big bang.
 

Related to The Big Bang: Exploring the Universe's Expansion

1. What is the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory is a cosmological model that explains the origins of the universe. It suggests that the universe began as a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature, and has been expanding and cooling ever since.

2. How do we know the Big Bang happened?

Scientists have gathered evidence from various fields of study, including astronomy, physics, and mathematics, to support the Big Bang theory. This includes the observation of cosmic microwave background radiation, the abundance of light elements, and the expansion of the universe.

3. What caused the Big Bang?

The exact cause of the Big Bang is still unknown and is a subject of ongoing research. Some theories suggest that it was the result of a quantum fluctuation in a pre-existing universe, while others propose the concept of a multiverse where the Big Bang is just one of many universes.

4. How has the universe expanded since the Big Bang?

The universe has been expanding since the Big Bang, and its rate of expansion has increased over time. This is due to the presence of dark energy, a mysterious force that is causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate.

5. Can we see the Big Bang?

No, we cannot see the Big Bang itself because it occurred over 13 billion years ago and the light from that event has already traveled too far for us to observe. However, we can study the afterglow of the Big Bang, known as the cosmic microwave background radiation, which gives us a glimpse into the early moments of the universe.

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