Formation of The Solar System

Question 1

What is the Big Bang Theory?

Answer 1

The Big Theory is a theory that the universe began in an incredibly hot, dense expansion about 13.8 billion years ago.

Question 2

What happened after the Big Theory?

Answer 2

1. The universe expands.
2. The expansion causes cooling which allows matter to form- the first protons, then electrons, and atoms (1st was hydrogen)
3. The matter clumps together forming the first star’s and galaxies.
4. The planets form.

Question 3

What are examples of evidence of the Big Bang Theory?

Answer 3

1. Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation

2. The Universe Continues to Expand

Question 4

Explain cosmic microwave background radiation.

Answer 4

• We can detect the remnants of the energy released by the initial expansion of Earth
• similar to a fossil: imprint of past life on Earth
• saw temperature variations

Question 5

Explain how the universe continues to expand.

Answer 5

• The galaxies are redshifted meaning they travelling away from us. If we follow this backwards, it means everything was once closer together.
• each galaxy emits a unique spectrum of light

Question 6

What happened according to the Solar Nebula Theory?

Answer 6

A slowly rotating nebula made of gas and dust began to collapse (most likely triggered by nearby supernova).
A protostar forms in centre of disk
Debris starts gathering in spinning disk forming protoplanets
Fusion reactions occur from pressure and temperature in protostar
Lighter gases pushed by solar winds forming gas giants
Denser material remained in the inner solar system forming terrestrial planets