I AEC Psy A + MAT M1U1 Questioning Universe

Which of the following is NOT one of the fundamental questions about the universe posed by the speaker?

• Where did we come from?

• How did the universe begin?

• What is the importance of human existence?

• Is there life beyond Earth?

Answer explanation

The question asks for fundamental inquiries about the universe. 'What is the importance of human existence?' is more philosophical and not a fundamental question about the universe itself, making it the correct choice.

Before the 1920s, what was the main scientific idea about how the universe was structured?

• It was always getting bigger.

• It was mostly stable and unchanging.

• It was getting smaller.

• It started from a single event.

What important observation helped scientists understand that the universe is expanding?

• Distant galaxies are moving away from us.

• The temperature of the universe is rising.

• New stars are being formed all the time.

• Black holes are getting larger.

Answer explanation

The observation that distant galaxies are moving away from us, evidenced by redshift, indicates that the universe is expanding. This key finding supports the Big Bang theory and helps explain the dynamics of cosmic evolution.

What major event in the universe's history is thought to have occurred about 15 billion years ago, marking the beginning of everything we know?

• The formation of the first stars.

• The Big Bang.

• The creation of Earth.

• The emergence of life.

Answer explanation

The Big Bang is the major event that occurred about 15 billion years ago, marking the beginning of the universe and everything we know. It led to the formation of matter, space, and time, unlike the other options listed.

Traditionally, the theory of the universe has been understood in two main parts. What are these two parts?

• The principles of evolution and the initial conditions.

• The past and the future.

• Matter and energy.

• Space and time.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'The principles of evolution and the initial conditions,' reflects the two main parts of the universe's theory, focusing on how the universe evolves from its initial state.

How do general relativity and quantum theory, especially in extreme conditions, help us understand the universe's beginning?

• They show that the universe is infinite.

• They suggest that time and space are separate things.

• They allow the laws of evolution to explain the universe's starting point.

• They indicate that the universe never changes.

What does the speaker suggest about how the universe began, considering the unified theory of general relativity and quantum theory?

• It was created by a divine being.

• It spontaneously emerged from nothingness.

• It has always been in existence.

• It is a simulated reality.

What does the speaker think about the idea that the government is hiding information about aliens?

• It is a very good way to keep secrets.

• It has not worked well so far.

• It is important to protect people from possible alien dangers.

• It is a common belief that is backed by evidence.

Answer explanation

The speaker believes that the government's attempts to hide information about aliens have not been effective, suggesting that the secrecy has not achieved its intended purpose.

What conclusion does the speaker draw from the fact that the SETI project has not found any alien television quiz shows?

• Alien civilizations are intentionally avoiding contact.

• The technology used by the SETI project is not good enough.

• It is likely that there are no alien civilizations at a similar level of development within a few hundred light-years.

• Aliens choose to stay quiet to avoid being found.

Answer explanation

The absence of alien television quiz shows suggests that there may not be any alien civilizations at a similar level of development within a few hundred light-years, as such cultural artifacts would likely be detectable.

What responsibility does the speaker suggest humanity has if it is the only intelligent species in the galaxy?

• To colonize as many planets as possible.

• To ensure its survival and continuation.

• To develop advanced weaponry for defense.

• To seek out other intelligent life forms.

Answer explanation

The speaker suggests that if humanity is the only intelligent species, it has a responsibility to ensure its survival and continuation, prioritizing its existence over expansion or conflict.