TED-ED: The death of the universe - Ren_e Hlozek

The video explores the universe's composition and its future. It begins with an introduction to cosmology and the universe's shape, influenced by Einstein's theory of general relativity. The universe is nearly flat, but its components, including baryonic matter, dark matter, and dark energy, affect its fate. Dark matter, making up 27% of the universe, interacts gravitationally but is not visible. Dark energy, comprising 68%, acts like antigravity, causing the universe to expand. The future universe will be dominated by dark energy, leading to a cold, empty state known as the heat death. The universe's end mirrors its beginning, with an accelerating expansion phase called the de Sitter phase.

What is the role of a cosmologist?

• To design spacecraft for interstellar travel

• To study the weather patterns on Earth

• To explore the ocean depths

• To understand the universe's past and future

What percentage of the universe's energy density is made up of ordinary matter?

• 100%

• 68%

• 27%

• 5%

How does dark matter interact with light?

• It reflects light like a mirror

• It absorbs light completely

• It emits light like a star

• It interacts weakly and does not shine

What is the primary effect of dark energy on the universe?

• It accelerates the expansion of the universe

• It makes the universe spin

• It causes the universe to contract

• It keeps the universe static

What is the eventual fate of the universe according to the concept of heat death?

• It will transform into a new universe

• It will collapse into a singularity

• It will become cold and empty

• It will become a fiery inferno