Flashcards on Processes and Phenomena Following the Big Bang
What event marks the end of the cosmic dark ages?
The formation of the first stars and galaxies, which reionized the universe and ended the cosmic dark ages.
What is the process of nucleosynthesis?
Nucleosynthesis refers to the formation of new atomic nuclei from pre-existing particles like protons and neutrons, occurring during the first few minutes of the universe.
Which era follows the inflationary period in the Big Bang Theory?
The radiation-dominated era follows the inflationary period.
What is the significance of the 'recombination' period?
The 'recombination' period is significant because electrons combined with protons and other nuclei to form neutral atoms, allowing the universe to become transparent to radiation.
What is the sequence of universal matter aggregation after the Big Bang?
Post Big Bang, matter aggregated into subatomic particles, then atoms, followed by gaseous nebulae, stars, galaxies, and larger cosmic structures.
Why didn't normal atoms form immediately after the Big Bang?
Normal atoms didn't form immediately after the Big Bang because the universe was too hot for electrons to combine with nuclei.
Define cosmic inflation in the context of the Big Bang.
Cosmic inflation is a theory proposing that the universe underwent an extremely rapid expansion, exponentially growing in size within a fraction of a second after the Big Bang.
How does the epoch of reionization affect cosmic background radiation?
The epoch of reionization affects the cosmic background radiation by scattering photons, making small changes observable in its temperature and polarization.
What happens during the decoupling of light?
During decoupling, photons decouple from matter as the universe cooled, allowing them to travel freely, leading to the cosmic microwave background.
What is meant by baryonic matter?
Baryonic matter refers to ordinary matter consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons, as opposed to dark matter.
What is dark matter's role following the Big Bang?
Dark matter's role following the Big Bang is to provide gravitational stability, influencing the formation and structure of galaxies.
What is the significance of 'cold spots' in the cosmic microwave background?
'Cold spots' in the cosmic microwave background may indicate regions of greater matter density, hinting at processes of galaxy formation.
What transformations of chemical elements took place post-Big Bang?
Hydrogen and helium formed mostly, with heavier elements created in the hearts of stars and distributed through supernovae.
What is the photon epoch?
The photon epoch is a period dominated by radiation, lasting from about 10 seconds to 370,000 years after the Big Bang.
What defines the end of the radiation-dominated era?
The end of the radiation-dominated era is defined by the time matter began to dominate over radiation as the universe continued to expand and cool.