Observable matter makes up about what percentage of the universe?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 50%
D. 95%
Answer (2)
The problem asks for the percentage of the universe made up of observable matter.
Recall that observable matter includes stars, galaxies, and everything we can see.
Understand that observable matter constitutes only about 5% of the universe, with the rest being dark matter and dark energy.
The final answer is \boxed{5%}.
Explanation
Understanding the Question The question asks us to identify the percentage of the universe that is composed of observable matter from the given options.
Understanding the Universe Composition Observable matter, which includes stars, galaxies, and everything we can see, makes up a small fraction of the universe's total composition. The majority of the universe is made up of dark matter and dark energy, which are not directly observable.
Determining the Percentage Based on current scientific understanding, observable matter accounts for approximately 5% of the universe. The rest is composed of dark matter (about 27%) and dark energy (about 68%).
Selecting the Correct Option Therefore, the correct answer is 5%.
Final Answer The percentage of the universe made up of observable matter is \boxed{5%}.
Examples
Understanding the composition of the universe helps astronomers and astrophysicists model the formation and evolution of cosmic structures. For example, knowing that observable matter is only a small fraction of the universe's total mass-energy content helps scientists develop theories about dark matter and dark energy, which influence the expansion rate of the universe and the formation of galaxies. This knowledge is crucial for creating accurate simulations and predictions about the future of the universe.
Observable matter makes up about 5% of the universe, while the remaining 95% consists of dark matter and dark energy. This highlights the significant portion of the universe that is not directly observable. Therefore, the correct answer is 5%.
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