Lesson 1.1 The Big Bang Theory Recap Quiz

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What was the initial composition of the universe shortly after the Big Bang?

Mostly hydrogen and helium

Mostly dark matter and dark energy

Mostly protons, neutrons, and electrons (correct)

Mostly heavier elements like carbon and oxygen

What process led to the formation of the elements present in the current universe?

Radioactive decay

Nuclear fission

Stellar evolution

Nucleosynthesis (correct)

What happened to deuterium after the decoupling of matter and radiation?

It remained stable and abundant

It was completely destroyed

It was converted into heavier elements

It was quickly formed and then dissociated (correct)

What was the role of gravitational force after the decoupling of matter and radiation?

It caused matter to be subject only to gravitational force Signup and view all the answers

What was the discovery that led to the acceptance of Gamow's hypothesis as the Big Bang Theory?

The discovery of primordial helium Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the radiation observed being independent of direction?

It supported the idea of a uniform and isotropic universe Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of matter according to the text?

Hydrogen and helium Signup and view all the answers

What process led to the formation of the first generation of stars?

Contraction under gravity and fusion reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the net reaction that forms $^{12}$C from three $^{4}$He nuclei?

$^{4}$He + $^{4}$He + $^{4}$He $\rightarrow$ $^{12}$C + $\gamma$ Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the fuel is exhausted in a star?

Contraction sets in, increasing the temperature for other fusion reactions Signup and view all the answers

How are elements beyond iron (A=56) produced?

Through the neutron-capture process Signup and view all the answers

What is the final stable product of the neutron capture process starting from $^{56}$Fe?

$^{60}$Ni Signup and view all the answers

What did Edwin Hubble prove using the 2.5-m telescope at California's Mt. Wilson Observatory?

That the nebulae were distant galaxies containing millions to billions of stars Signup and view all the answers

What did George Gamow hypothesize regarding the origin of the universe?

That the universe was created from a dense, singular point in an event called the Big Bang Signup and view all the answers

What was the first piece of evidence that supported Gamow's Big Bang hypothesis?

The observation that galaxies are moving away from each other Signup and view all the answers

What was the second piece of evidence that supported Gamow's Big Bang hypothesis?

The detection of cosmic background radiation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the Big Bang theory?

The theory states that the universe was created from a dense, singular point and has been expanding ever since Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not considered evidence for the Big Bang theory?

The discovery of the first quasar Signup and view all the answers