During which era do protons and neutrons form the first atoms?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific era in which protons and neutrons formed the first atoms, indicating a focus on cosmology and the history of the universe's formation.
Answer
Atoms formed approximately 380,000 years after the Big Bang.
Protons and neutrons formed the first atomic nuclei within a few minutes after the Big Bang during the Nucleosynthesis era. However, it took approximately 380,000 years for these nuclei to join with electrons and form the first complete atoms.
Answer for screen readers
Protons and neutrons formed the first atomic nuclei within a few minutes after the Big Bang during the Nucleosynthesis era. However, it took approximately 380,000 years for these nuclei to join with electrons and form the first complete atoms.
More Information
The initial process of forming atomic nuclei occurred just minutes after the Big Bang, but the formation of complete atoms required much more time because it depended on the temperature of the universe decreasing sufficiently to allow electrons to combine with nuclei.
Tips
Students often confuse the timeframes for nucleosynthesis and atom formation. Remember that nucleosynthesis occurs minutes after the Big Bang, while full atoms form much later.
Sources
- The early universe - CERN - home.cern
- How did the first element form after the Big Bang? - Astronomy - astronomy.com
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