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Set 1: Central Ideas (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

The following text describes Dark Energy. In physical cosmology, dark energy is a hypothetical form of energy that exerts a negative, repulsive pressure, behaving like the opposite of gravity. It is postulated to explain the observation that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate. Unlike dark matter, which does not interact with the electromagnetic force but does clump together via gravity, dark energy appears to be distributed smoothly throughout the universe, its density remaining constant even as space itself expands.

How does the distribution of dark energy differ from that of dark matter according to the text?

A. Dark energy clumps together to form galaxies, while dark matter is smooth
B. Dark energy is distributed smoothly and implies constant density, whereas dark matter clumps together✓ Correct
C. Dark energy interacts with light, whereas dark matter does not
D. Dark energy slows down the expansion of the universe, while dark matter accelerates it

Detailed Explanation

Choice B is correct. The text states dark energy is 'distributed smoothly... its density remaining constant,' unlike dark matter which 'clump[s] together via gravity.'

Key Evidence:

• "distributed smoothly throughout the universe"

• "dark matter... does clump together"

Why others are wrong: A (Opposite), C (Inaccurate (neither interacts with light normally, but text focuses on distribution/gravity)), D (Opposite (dark energy accelerates expansion)).

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