Theories of the Universe Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What does the Big Bang theory say about the origin of the Universe?

The Universe began from a single point in a huge explosion/expansion and has been expanding ever since.

What does the Steady State theory say about the Universe?

The Universe has always existed, is expanding, and new matter is created as it expands so its appearance/density stays the same.

Name one thing the Big Bang and Steady State theories agree on.

Both say the Universe is expanding.

Give one key difference between the Big Bang and Steady State theories.

Big Bang says the Universe had a beginning; Steady State says it has always existed (with new matter continuously created).

Which theory of the origin of the Universe is currently accepted, and why?

The Big Bang theory, because there is more evidence supporting it than the Steady State theory.

True or false? The Steady State theory cannot explain the red-shift of galaxies.

False. Steady State also has an expanding Universe, so it explains red-shift; it cannot explain the CMB radiation.