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Universe
What is the universe made of?
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The universe is composed of various types of matter and energy. The current understanding of the composition of the universe is based on the theories and observations in the field of cosmology. Here are the primary components:
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Ordinary Matter: Ordinary matter, also known as baryonic matter, is the familiar matter that makes up atoms and forms the building blocks of stars, planets, and everything we see around us. It consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. This type of matter constitutes only a small fraction of the total mass-energy content of the universe, estimated to be around 4%.
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Dark Matter: Dark matter is a mysterious form of matter that does not interact with light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation. It doesn’t emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible and difficult to detect directly. However, its presence is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter and the large-scale structure of the universe.
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Dark Energy: Dark energy is an even more enigmatic component of the universe. It is a form of energy that is driving the accelerated expansion of the universe. Dark energy is thought to permeate all of space and is responsible for the observed repulsive force that is causing the universe’s expansion to accelerate. The nature of dark energy is still not well understood, and it constitutes approximately 70% of the total mass-energy content of the universe.
In addition to these components, the universe also consists of various forms of radiation, including photons (particles of light) and cosmic background radiation, which is the remnant radiation from the early stages of the universe known as the cosmic microwave background (CMB).
It’s worth mentioning that the universe is a vast and complex entity, and ongoing scientific research and observations continue to deepen our understanding of its composition and the fundamental forces that govern it.
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