Final answer:
If the density of the universe is less than the critical density, then the universe will continue expanding forever. This is because gravity is not strong enough to stop the expansion in an open universe.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the density of the universe is less than the critical density, then the universe will continue expanding forever. This is because gravity is not strong enough to stop the expansion in an open universe. This is illustrated by curve 2 in Figure 29.9 and the universe second from the left in Figure 29.8. In an open universe, time and space begin with the Big Bang and have no end.