Questions and Answers
What is the Big Bang Theory?
According to scientists, the planets, stars, and galaxies make up 96% of what the universe consists of.
False
Who discovered that the universe is expanding?
Edwin Hubble
Match the scientists with their contributions:
Signup and view all the answers
The universe is believed to be _____ in extent and has no end.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of Hubble's Law?
Signup and view all the answers
What dark energy does in the universe?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
The Universe
- The universe is real and expansive, originating from a singular point approximately 13.8 billion years ago according to the Big Bang Theory.
- Various theories explain the universe's origin, including the Big Bang Theory, Steady State Theory, and Pulsating Universe Theory.
The Big Bang Theory
- Suggests the universe began as an infinitely small point that has since expanded and continues to stretch.
- Associated with the notion of a multiverse, theorizing the existence of multiple universes formed from the original Big Bang, creating bubble-like structures.
Expansion and Structure of the Universe
- Discovered by astronomer Edwin Hubble in the 1920s, the universe is neither static nor closed; it experiences continuous expansion and contraction.
- Dark energy contributes to the accelerated expansion of the universe, influencing its dynamics over time.
- Estimates suggest that known objects (planets, stars, galaxies) comprise only about 4% of the universe; the remaining 96% remains largely unknown.
Infinite Universe Concept
- The universe is believed to be infinite, lacking an edge or boundary, resembling a sheet of paper rather than a closed sphere.
Key Figures and Discoveries
- Albert Einstein's Theory of General Relativity posits that mass warps time and space, allowing large masses to bend light.
- Alexander Friedmann solved equations related to general relativity, providing a framework for understanding an expanding universe.
- Hubble's Law demonstrates that galaxies are receding from each other at speeds proportional to their distance, indicating an ever-expanding cosmos.
Theories Comparison
- The Steady State Theory suggests an eternal, unchanging universe that remains constant over time, opposing the Big Bang Theory's dynamic evolution and expansion.
- Despite similarities, the two theories differ in their perspectives on the universe's age and development over time.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the vastness of the universe, including its origin theories such as the Big Bang Theory, Steady State Theory, and others. Understand the expansion and structure of the universe as discovered by astronomers, and learn about the role of dark energy in shaping our cosmos.