Origins - Universe

Question 1

What is the big bang theory?

Answer 1

The theory states that 13.8 billion years ago a singularity, something which cannot be explained by the laws of physics,was hotter and senser than anything we can imagine. Then it suddenly expanded at an incredible rate and the universe that we know was born.

Question 2

What 4 things did tbe singularity produce?

Answer 2

• Space
• Time
• Matter
• Energy

Question 3

Evidence for the big bang

Answer 3

• Red shift
• Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR)
• Light element abundance

Question 4

Redshift

Answer 4

As a source of light moves further away from the point where that light is being seen the light changes. An effect called red shift occurs. This happens because the photons (light particles) lose energy as they travel (this causes the wavelengths to increase). The further they travel thr more energy they lose. The more energy the photons lose the closer they get to the colour Red. If a source of light is moving away from you, the light you see will slowly shift towards Red. So if a galaxy is moving away the light it emits will slowly move towards Red. The light galaxies are emitting is slowly shifting towards Red therefore they must be moving away. The observable fact that galaxies are moving apart suggests that they are being pushed apart by energy from some type of expansion (singularity) of the big bang.

Question 5

Cosmic microwave background radiation

Answer 5

When the big bang theory was first developed the mathematical models of it predicted that there would be a certain amount of radiation left over. This radiation was later discovered and measured. The radiation (CMBR) has been described as like the heat left over from the expansion (singularity) of the big bang

Question 6

Light Element Abundance

Answer 6

We are able to observe the levels of certain forms of hydrogen and helium in the universe and their ratios to the other forms. The levels of these forms and their ratios are the same levels and ratios that eoukf be produced by a big bang.

Question 7

Strengths of the big bang theory

Answer 7

• The big bang theory has one major strength, which is that the evidence for it can be observed and verified.
• very flexible; can adapt to new discoveries, information and circumstances.
• depends on observable evidence, which we can all check.
• employs the scientific method that is replicable and thus proving that theories are solid in their foundation.

Question 8

Weaknesses of the big bang theory

Answer 8

• Theories are always changing. The big bang theory is tenuous and new developments in science may well disprove it.
• It doesn’t deal with one really big problem; “Nihilo ex nihilo fit” which means, “ Nothing comes from notbing.” It is difficult to see how an event (even one which physic cannot explain) could produce something from nothing.

Question 9

Richard Dawkins “ I am against . . .”

Answer 9

“I am against religion because I teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world.”

Question 10

Bill nye “Science is the key . . .”

Answer 10

“Science is the key to our future, if you don’t believe in Science, then you’re holding everyone back.”

Question 11

What is the scientific method?

Answer 11

The scientific method is the rigorous process of creating a hypothesis based on an observation, and performing experiments to verify or falsify the claim. Those that are verified will become a theory.

Question 12

Strength of the scientific method

Answer 12

Uses empirical evidence, that which can be tested by the senses.

Question 13

Weakness of the scientific method

Answer 13

Testing is carried out by humans therefore human error is a possibility as well as bird.