Will the universe continue to expand forever To attack

Chapter , Problem 39

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Will the universe continue to expand forever? To attack this question, assume that the theory of dark energy is in error and that the recessional speed v of a galaxy a distance r from us is determined only by the gravitational interaction of the matter that lies inside a sphere of radius r centered on us. If the total mass inside this sphere is M, the escape speed ve from the sphere is (Eq. 13-28). (a) Show that to prevent unlimited expansion, the average density r inside the sphere must be at least equal to (b) Evaluate this critical density numerically; express your answer in terms of hydrogen atoms per cubic meter. Measurements of the actual density are difficult and are complicated by the presence of dark matter