Suppose that the expansion rate were slower in the past. Taking this fact into account when estimating the age of the universe from the presently accepted value of the Hubble constant, H₀ = 73.5 km/s/Mpc, yields A) 13.4 billion years, as before. B) a value less than 13.4 billion years. C) a value greater than 13.4 billion years. D) a value different from 13.4 billion years, but additional information is needed to determine whether it is larger or smaller.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the expansion rate were slower in the past, it would have taken longer for the universe to reach its current size starting from the Big Bang. Therefore, estimating the age of the universe with this consideration would yield a value greater than 13.4 billion years.

Suppose That the Expansion Rate Were Slower in the Past