Why does the presence of vacuum energy cause the universe's expansion to accelerate?

Question

In very simple terms, please, because I'm not much of an expert on physics. Thanks!

Answer 1

Perhaps you're thinking of 'dark energy'. One would expect the universe's expansion to decrease, since expansion is resisted by gravitational fields. But if your observations tell you the expansion is increasing, you theorize about 'dark energy'. Look for inflationary cosmologies in today's literature, or for the 'cosmological constant' in earlier literature, starting with Einstein. Trouble is, no one knows what dark energy is or if it really exists. But it's a convenient term to anchor discussions until we figure out what's really happening

Answer 2

"dark energy" is an energy ascribed to the vacuum. The universe can continue to expand just fine on its own due to the inertia of matter therein. Dark energy represents of form of pressure intrinsic to the vacuum. The pressure causes the universe to expand (like a balloon). As to what causes it, no one knows. You see, "dark energy" is really just a label given to describe a very much unknown apparent process that is leading to the apparent observed accelerated expansion. It just sounds more like you know what you're talking about than, say, "anomalous universal expansion syndrome".

Answer 3

bascially vacuum energy is still energy, the universe uses that engery to speed up. Don't think of vacumm energy as a vacumm cleaner - sucks everything in - think of it like electricity. (i'm using very simple terms here, please don't yell at me for "technically")

Answer 4

Vacuum energy? prove the existence first! Offhand I'd say cause it sucks!

Answer 5

Find the answer in your physics book

Answer 6

I have no idea what you are referring to.