The Big Bang Theory

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What is the Big Bang Theory?

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The Big Bang Theory is the leading explanation for the origin of the universe, suggesting it began as a singularity approximately 13.8 billion years ago and has been expanding ever since.

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What is a singularity in the context of the Big Bang Theory?

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A singularity refers to a point in the universe where density and gravity are thought to be infinite, marking the beginning of the universe before the Big Bang.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

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What evidence supports the Big Bang Theory?

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Evidence includes the observed expansion of the universe, cosmic microwave background radiation, and the abundance of light elements like hydrogen and helium.

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How do scientists know the universe is expanding?

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Scientists observe the redshift of distant galaxies, indicating they are moving away from us, which supports the idea of an expanding universe.

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What is cosmic microwave background radiation?

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Cosmic microwave background radiation is the afterglow of the Big Bang, a faint radiation filling the universe, providing evidence of its hot, dense origins.

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What are light elements, and why are they important?

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Light elements, such as hydrogen and helium, were formed during the first few minutes after the Big Bang and are crucial for understanding the early universe's conditions.

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What role do heavy elements play in the universe?

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Heavy elements, formed in stars through nuclear fusion and supernova explosions, are essential for the formation of planets and life.

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How old is the universe?

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The universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old, based on measurements of cosmic background radiation and the expansion rate.

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What is the significance of the term 'expansion' in the Big Bang Theory?

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Expansion refers to the ongoing increase in distance between galaxies, indicating that the universe is growing larger over time.

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What is the difference between the Big Bang and the formation of the solar system?

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The Big Bang refers to the origin of the universe, while the solar system formed later from the remnants of ancient stars and nebulae.

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