Universe Composition Overview
The universe is an intricate tapestry of matter, energy, and the forces that govern them. It encompasses everything we know, from galaxies and stars to planets and life itself, bound by physical laws.
Matter: Atoms to Galaxies
Ordinary matter, made of atoms, forms planets, stars, and galaxies. Despite its diverse forms, this baryonic matter constitutes less than 5% of the universe's total energy density.
Dark Matter Enigma
Dark matter, invisible and undetectable by emitted radiation, interacts through gravity and forms an essential part of galaxies' structures. It accounts for approximately 27% of the universe's mass-energy composition.
Dark Energy's Expansion
Mysterious dark energy drives the accelerating expansion of the universe. Making up about 68% of the universe, its nature remains one of the biggest questions in cosmology.
Forces of the Cosmos
Four fundamental forces - gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces - dictate the interactions of particles and structure of the universe, influencing everything from atoms to galaxy clusters.
Quantum World Contributions
Quantum mechanics reveals a universe where particles can be in multiple states simultaneously, and where 'empty space' is a seething cauldron of virtual particles popping in and out of existence.
Cosmic Microwave Background
The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is the afterglow of the Big Bang, providing a snapshot of the early universe. Its detailed study has revolutionized our understanding of the universe's composition and evolution.
What constitutes less than 5% of the universe?
Dark energy
Cosmic forces
Ordinary matter
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