Big Bang Theory

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What is the Big Bang Theory?

A scientific explanation of how the universe expanded from an extremely hot and dense state.

Approximately how long ago did the Big Bang occur?

About 13.8 billion years ago.

What did the Big Bang create?

Space, time, matter, and energy.

What evidence supports the Big Bang Theory?

The cosmic microwave background radiation and the expansion of the universe.

Who was one of the first scientists to propose the Big Bang Theory?

Georges Lemaître.

What is cosmic microwave background radiation?

It is the thermal radiation left over from the time of recombination in Big Bang cosmology.

What does the redshift of galaxies imply about the universe?

That the universe is expanding.

What is singularity in the context of the Big Bang?

A point in time where the universe is thought to be infinitely dense and infinitely hot.

What is the significance of Hubble's Law to the Big Bang Theory?

It supports the theory with the observation that galaxies are moving away from us.

What is nucleosynthesis in Big Bang Theory?

The process of formation of new atomic nuclei from pre-existing nucleons (such as protons and neutrons).

What elements were formed in the first few minutes of the Big Bang?

Hydrogen, helium, and traces of lithium.

What is inflation in the context of the Big Bang?

A rapid expansion of the universe that happened just after the Big Bang.

How does the Big Bang Theory explain the uniformity of the universe?

Inflation theory suggests rapid expansion smoothed out irregularities.

What is a possible fate of the universe as per the Big Bang Theory?

Possibilities include continuous expansion, collapse back into a singular state, or reaching a stable size.

How does the Big Bang Theory differ from the Steady State Theory?

Unlike the Steady State Theory, the Big Bang Theory suggests the universe had a definite beginning.