Answer :

The key function of dark energy is to drive the accelerated expansion of the universe. This concept is supported by observations that show the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate. Dark energy acts as a kind of repulsive force that counteracts gravity on large scales, causing galaxies to move away from each other faster over time. In simple terms, dark energy is responsible for pushing galaxies apart and making the universe expand at an increasing rate. It is a mysterious and still not fully understood component of the universe, comprising a large percentage of the total energy density in the cosmos. One way to think about dark energy is as a sort of "anti-gravity" force that overcomes the attractive force of gravity between matter, leading to the expansion of the universe at an accelerated pace. This phenomenon has significant implications for our understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe and its ultimate fate.