Origin of the Universe Theories Quiz

Historical Development of Theories Explaining the Origin of the Universe

• Ancient civilizations, including Greeks, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians, had mythological explanations for the universe's creation.
• Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Plato proposed early naturalistic ideas, some believing in an eternal, unchanging universe.
• The geocentric model (Ptolemy) placed Earth at the center of the universe.
• The heliocentric model (Copernicus) placed the Sun at the center.
• Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation provided a framework for understanding the cosmos as a vast, mechanical system.
• The prevailing view before the 20th century was that the universe was static and eternal.
• Edwin Hubble's observations in the 1920s indicated an expanding universe.
• The Big Bang Theory, developed mid-20th century, suggests the universe originated from an extremely hot, dense state and continues expanding. Key contributors include Georges Lemaître, George Gamow, and others.

Steady State Theory

• Proposed by Fred Hoyle and others, suggesting continuous matter creation as the universe expands.
• This model was superseded by the Big Bang theory.

Cosmic Inflation

• Introduced in the 1980s, proposing a period of rapid expansion shortly after the Big Bang.
• It helps explain the large-scale structure and uniformity of the universe.

Quantum Cosmology

• Focuses on the origins and evolution of the universe within the context of quantum mechanics.
• Seeks to understand the early universe at the smallest scales and how quantum effects could have influenced the Big Bang and cosmic inflation.

Multiverse Theories

• Some modern theories suggest multiple universes, each with distinct physical laws.
• These theories investigate the possibility of multiple universes, each with its own set of physical laws and constants.

String Theory and Quantum Cosmology

• These theoretical frameworks aim to unify general relativity and quantum mechanics.
• These advanced theories seek deeper insight into the universe's origins and nature, potentially unifying seemingly disparate realms into a cohesive framework.

Building Blocks of the Universe

• The universe is comprised of normal visible matter (5%), dark matter (27%), and dark energy (68%).
• Dark matter and dark energy are poorly understood components of the cosmos.
• Scientists are continuing research to fully comprehend these components and their influence on the universe.

Dark Matter

• Makes up about 27% of the cosmos.
• Not composed of known particles of matter, otherwise, the universe would look different.
• Exists in a vast, web-like structure, a gravitational scaffold attracting most of the cosmos' normal matter.

Dark Energy

• May compose ~68% of the universe.
• Explains the accelerating expansion of the universe.
• Its properties are poorly understood.

Origin of the Solar System - Hypotheses

• Nebular Hypothesis: Formed from a giant rotating gas and dust cloud (solar nebula).
• Planetesimal Hypothesis: Small solid particles (planetesimals) collided and formed larger bodies via accretion to eventually become planets

Other Origin Hypotheses

• Capture Theory: Suggests the Sun captured material from a passing star.
• Nice Model: Focuses on the migration of outer planets and how this affected the rest of the Solar System.
• Protoplanet Hypothesis: Combines elements of nebular and planetesimal hypotheses, proposes the aggregation of larger bodies (protoplanets) within the solar nebula.

Planetary Motions

• Rotation: Spin on an axis. Measured in mean solar day and sidereal day
• Revolution: Orbiting another body, such as Earth revolving around the sun
• Precession: Very slow change in Earth's axis direction.

Earth-Sun Motions and Seasons

• Earth's 23.5° axial tilt causes seasons.
• Special days mark the solstices (summer and winter) and equinoxes (spring and fall).

Strategies for Animals Surviving Winter

• Hibernation: Deep sleep, reduced body temperature, and lowered heart rate/breathing.
• Brumation: Similar to hibernation, but for reptiles and amphibians.
• Diapause: Insect development pause.
• Torpor: Short-term lowering of body temperature and metabolic rate.
• Migration: Moving to warmer climates.
• Adaptation (e.g., thicker fur, camouflage): Physical changes related to environment.

Photoperiodism

• Plant response to variations in day length.
• Influences flowering and other plant processes.
• Short-day plants flower when the night length exceeds a certain point.
• Long-day plants flower when the night length is below a certain point.

Philippine Astronomy

• Astronomical activities in the Philippines date back to 1897, initially with meteorological work.
• Observatories and programs exist today.
• Astronomy is a part of the curriculum at various educational levels.

Spacecraft Missions

• Several Philippine satellites have been launched.
• Information regarding spacecraft, including their purpose, launch dates, and locations of launch.