Nuclear Physics and Cosmology Quiz

The theory explaining the origin and expansion of the universe, proposing that it began as a hot, dense state around 13.8 billion years ago.

The process of forming light elements (like hydrogen and helium) during the early stages of the universe's expansion.

A form of radiation left over from the Big Bang, detectable throughout the universe as microwaves.

The energy needed to break apart the nucleus of an atom into its components.

A radioactive isotope of hydrogen with one proton and two neutrons.

A phenomenon observed in the light emitted from distant galaxies, where the wavelengths are shifted towards the red end of the spectrum, indicating that the galaxies are moving away from us.

The process of forming atomic nuclei from protons and neutrons, occurring primarily in stars and during the early universe.

The process of electrons combining with atomic nuclei to form neutral atoms, occurring after the early universe cooled down.

Elements with relatively low atomic numbers, such as hydrogen, helium, and lithium, formed primarily during the Big Bang.

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

The branch of science that explores the origin, evolution, and destiny of the universe, drawing upon astronomical observations and physical laws.

A period of rapid, exponential expansion in the early universe, shortly after the Big Bang, during which space expanded at an incredible rate.

The process of electrons combining with atomic nuclei to form neutral atoms. During recombination, the universe transitioned from a hot, ionized plasma to a neutral gas, allowing light to travel freely.

The number of protons within an atom's nucleus, determining the element's identity. It also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom.

The observed abundance of hydrogen and helium in the universe, which aligns with theoretical predictions of the Big Bang theory, supporting its validity.

Primordial material found in the universe, such as unprocessed gas or chondrites, providing information about the early universe's composition and the Big Bang theory's predictions.

The interaction between two protons is not allowed due to the strong nuclear force, which repels protons with like charges. This prevents them from fusing directly.

During the Big Bang, the initial fusion reactions primarily produced hydrogen (H) and helium (He) as the final elements, forming the basis of the early universe.

Fusion reactions, involving the combining of atomic nuclei, are possible under extreme conditions like those present during the Big Bang. These conditions include high temperatures and pressures, which overcome the electrostatic repulsion between protons, allowing them to fuse and form heavier elements.

Deuterium (D) is an isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron. It is formed during the Big Bang by the fusion of a proton and a neutron.

Tritium (T) is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen with one proton and two neutrons. It is formed by the fusion of two deuterium nuclei, releasing a proton.

Helium-3 (He-3) is an isotope of helium with one neutron and two protons. It is formed by the fusion of two deuterium nuclei and the release of a neutron.

Helium-4 (He-4) is the most common isotope of helium, with two protons and two neutrons. It can be formed through three different fusion reactions involving deuterium and tritium.

Lithium-7 (Li-7) is a stable isotope of lithium with three protons and four neutrons, produced through the fusion of Helium-4 and Tritium.