Answer to Question #150903 in Astronomy | Astrophysics for Harshdeep

Question

How does the theory of inflation explain the observed fact that our universe has a geometry that is close to being flat?

Select one answer?
1)Because curved regions of space-time have a larger effective density of false vacuum and hence will expand more rapidly.
2)Because the universe can only roll off the top of the mexican hat and hence stop inflation if its geometry is locally flat.
3)Because strongly curved regions will not last long enough for life to evolve
4)Because any smooth curved shape, if enlarged enough, will look flat locally.
5)Because if space was curved, regions of space with different laws of physics would collide, which is not observed.

Answer 1

4)Because any smooth curved shape, if enlarged enough, will look flat locally.