18 Questions
What was the initial composition of the universe shortly after the Big Bang?
Mostly protons, neutrons, and electrons
What process led to the formation of the elements present in the current universe?
Nucleosynthesis
What happened to deuterium after the decoupling of matter and radiation?
It was quickly formed and then dissociated
What was the role of gravitational force after the decoupling of matter and radiation?
It caused matter to be subject only to gravitational force
What was the discovery that led to the acceptance of Gamow's hypothesis as the Big Bang Theory?
The discovery of primordial helium
What was the significance of the radiation observed being independent of direction?
It supported the idea of a uniform and isotropic universe
What is the main component of matter according to the text?
Hydrogen and helium
What process led to the formation of the first generation of stars?
Contraction under gravity and fusion reactions
What is the net reaction that forms $^{12}$C from three $^{4}$He nuclei?
$^{4}$He + $^{4}$He + $^{4}$He $\rightarrow$ $^{12}$C + $\gamma$
What happens when the fuel is exhausted in a star?
Contraction sets in, increasing the temperature for other fusion reactions
How are elements beyond iron (A=56) produced?
Through the neutron-capture process
What is the final stable product of the neutron capture process starting from $^{56}$Fe?
$^{60}$Ni
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
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
What was the first piece of evidence that supported Gamow's Big Bang hypothesis?
The observation that galaxies are moving away from each other
What was the second piece of evidence that supported Gamow's Big Bang hypothesis?
The detection of cosmic background radiation
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
Which of the following is not considered evidence for the Big Bang theory?
The discovery of the first quasar
Test your knowledge on the big bang theory and the formation of light elements in the universe seconds after the big bang. Explore evidence supporting the formation of light elements post the big bang and the concept of the expanding universe.
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