Cosmology: The Big Bang Theory

Origin of the Universe

• The universe originated from an infinitely hot and dense state known as a "Primordial atom."
• Initial singularity contained all space, time, matter, and energy, resulting in a lack of defined location, time, or form.

Inflation and Expansion

• Rapid expansion, termed inflation, occurred immediately after the singularity, with space expanding faster than the speed of light.
• As the universe expanded, it began to cool down significantly.

Formation of Matter

• An excess of fundamental particles emerged during this cooling phase: electrons, protons, neutrons, and other particles in a highly energetic state.
• Photons, the particles of light, were dispersed throughout the universe.

Nucleosynthesis and Nuclear Fusion

• Protons and neutrons combined to form various nuclei through nucleosynthesis and nuclear fusion processes.
• This marked the early formation of atomic structures in the universe.

Recombination and Formation of Atoms

• Eventually, electrons combined with ionized protons and nuclei to create neutral atoms in a phase known as recombination.
• The formation of neutral atoms paved the way for the eventual gravitational attraction between them.

Gravitational Collapse and Structure of the Universe

• Gravity played a critical role in causing neutral atoms to collapse together, leading to the formation of stars and galaxies.
• This process generated a diverse range of matter in the universe over time.