The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is a scientific theory that explains the origins of the elements on the Periodic Table.
What is a Scientific Theory?
A scientific theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon that is widely accepted in science BECAUSE it is supported by EXTENSIVE evidence from MANY different areas of science and MANY different scientists.
What is a Scientific Theory?
A scientific theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon that is widely accepted in science BECAUSE it is supported by EXTENSIVE evidence from MANY different areas of science and MANY different scientists.
The Big Bang Theory is the scientific theory describing where all the matter in the Universe comes from. The Big Bang Theory states that the universe began as an extremely, hot and dense concentration of energy. When that Energy exploded, some of the energy was converted into matter (think of Einstein's equation E=mc^2). Those first particles of matter came together to form the first atoms (hydrogen atoms). The Hydrogen atoms condensed to form stars. Stars are hot enough to fuse hydrogen atoms to heavier elements and that is where the rest of the elements are made. When stars die and become SuperNova, they explode and spew the elements across the universe.
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Evidences for the Big Bang
1. Red Shift - When other galaxies are studied, their light has a "red shift", this means they are moving away from us and the universe is expanding. 2. Abundance of Hydrogen and Helium - The Big Bang Theory predicts that there should be more hydrogen and helium in the universe than any other elements. The universe is 90% hydrogen and helium. 3. Nucleosythesis in Particle Accelerators - Particle accelerators in labs can simulate the formation of particles of matter from energy. Showing it is possible to get matter and atoms from an initial concentration of energy. 4. Cosmic Background Radiation - The Big Bang was so intense, there should still be radiation left over that we can detect. In 1964 scientists found that radiation and named it the Cosmic Background Radiation (CMB). |
View the slide presentation below to review information on the Big Bang and the Evidences for the Big Bang Theory.
If you are interested in more information on The Big Bang Theory, visit
The Big Bang - BBC Ask the Expert
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/bigbang/asktheexpert.shtml
Professor Brian Cox answers questions about current research being done on the Big Bang Theory.
If you are interested in more information on The Big Bang Theory, visit
The Big Bang - BBC Ask the Expert
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/bigbang/asktheexpert.shtml
Professor Brian Cox answers questions about current research being done on the Big Bang Theory.
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Implications of the Big Bang - The Alien Periodic Table
Imagine you visit another planet in a galaxy far, far away that has intelligent life. Being chemistry minded, you ask to see their periodic table of the elements. Do you predict that periodic table would look similar or very different from the one we use in class? Answer: The periodic table should look the SAME! ALL elements are formed in stars and then spread throughout the universe to form all of the matter in the universe. It doesn't matter where you travel, you would find the same elements! |