Answer :
Final answer:
The total amount of matter in the universe, including dark matter and dark energy, determines the curvature of space as a whole. The global curvature of the Universe can be determined using the Friedmann equation and comparing different curvature models with CMB data. The cosmological constant also influences the expansion or contraction of space.
Explanation:
In the context of general relativity, the curvature of space as a whole is primarily determined by the total amount of matter in the universe, including dark matter and dark energy. This total matter content influences the overall geometry of space, similar to how matter curves spacetime around black holes.
The global curvature of the Universe can be described by the Friedmann equation, which includes a term (k) representing the global curvature, along with terms for the expansion and density of the Universe. By comparing different curvature models with cosmic microwave background (CMB) data, scientists can determine the geometry of the Universe.
Additionally, the extra term in the equations, known as the cosmological constant (Λ), plays a role in canceling out the mass-energy term and affects the expansion or contraction of space. This constant is related to the concept of dark energy and its impact on the overall evolution of the Universe.
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