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1 The Origin of the Universe
JUNE 23, 2017 · PUBLIC
Origin and Structure of the Earth
Objective
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to state the different hypotheses explaining the
origin of the universe specifically, the Big Bang Theory, the Steady State Theory, and the
Oscillating Universe Theory.
How did the universe start?
Big Bang Theory
The most accepted theory about the origin of the universe is the Big Bang Theory. Georges
Lemaître, a Belgian priest, is considered as the first proponent of the Big Bang Theory.
The theory was supported by other scientists such as Edwin Hubble, Arno Penzias, and
Robert Wilson who presented pieces of evidence to support it.
The Big Bang Theory states that the universe started as a “singularity”—an area
predicted to be in the core of a black hole with a very high temperature and density, which
compressed matter with its intense gravitational pressure.
Singularity
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The presence of the singularity is still a mystery to many scientists, but they stated that this
singularity constantly expands and cools. The rate of expansion is almost equal to the rate
of cooling; at this moment, there is a build up of intense heat which leads to the increase in
the expansion of the singularity.
The intense heat also leads to the creation of matter and antimatter that are being
destroyed every time they collide with each other. During this moment, the number of
matter dominates over the number of antimatter. This started the dominance of matter, or
atomic particles, in the early universe. These particles undergo nucleosynthesis wherein
they combine to form another atomic particle.
Nucleosynthesis
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Nucleosynthesis leads to the formation of chemicals such as hydrogen and helium. These
chemicals then lead to the formation of the stars and the galaxies. The presence of the stars
leads to the formation of larger matter such as planets, comets, and other celestial bodies.
Ever since the Big Bang happened, the universe continuously expands, and the occurrence
of the cosmic background radiation was suggested to be an aftermath of the explosion that
happened 20 billion years ago.
Learn about it!
Steady State Theory
The Steady State Theory proposed by Hermann Bondi, Thomas Gold, and Fred
Hoyle, suggests that the universe has always been there and will always be present. It also
conveys that the universe always looks the same in any time or space but continuously
expands while simultaneously creating matter, maintaining the density of the universe;
hence, the name Steady State.
The Steady State Theory is so simple that it was widely accepted even before the proposal of
the Big Bang Theory. The discovery of the cosmic background radiation significantly
supported the explanations given by the Big Bang Theory, which led many scientists to
reject the Steady State Theory. This theory first explained that the cosmic background
radiation is a result of a supernova. But after a thorough research, it was proven that it is
equal in any direction of the universe and could not only be a result of many supernovae.
Learn about it!
Oscillating Universe Theory
The Oscillating Universe Theory, also referred to as the Pulsating Theory, discusses
that the universe is expanding and will contract once all the energy after the Big Bang is
used up. This theory, proposed by Richard Tolman, can be described as the combination
of the Big Bang and the Big Crunch.
The Big Crunch occurs when the universe expands and eventually reverses, then collapses
causing a singularity or the formation of another Big Bang. The Oscillating Universe Theory
suggests that once the universe reverses and attains the point of singularity, another
universe will be born. This is referred to as the Big Bounce. Tolman theorized that the
universe may be first in the cycle and could be a result of a previous Big Bounce event.
Just like in the Steady State Theory, scientists discovered many loopholes in the Oscillating
Universe Theory because it was said that for the universe to collapse, energy must be
present. This theory suggests that the universe will collapse on its own after it reaches its
full expansion, which violates some laws of physics.
Explore
Aside from the theories discussed in this lesson, what other theories can you suggest to
explain the origin of the universe? You may use the internet to search for other theories.
Try it!
Choose one of the theories about the origin of the universe. Create a concept map
illustrating the events that happen in the universe as explained by that theory.
What do you think?
Do you think the universe has a beginning or has it always existed? Explain your answer.
Key Points
Big Bang Theory states that the universe started as a singularity that exploded.
This explosion resulted to the formation of all the matter in universe.
Steady State Theory discusses that the universe has always been there and will
always be present.
Oscillating Universe Theory discusses that the universe is expanding and will
contract once all the energy after the Big Bang is used up. The collapsing of the universe
will then lead to the formation of a new universe.
Test Quest
1. Which of the following theories suggests that the universe originated from a singularity
that expanded continuously?
A. Oscillating Universe Theory
B. Pulsating Theory
C. Big Bang Theory
D. Steady State Theory
2. Which of the following describes the Big Crunch according to the Oscillating Universe
Theory?
A. reversal of the universe’s expansion
B. continuous expansion of the universe
C. formation of matter
D. formation of antimatter
3. Which of the following theories suggests that the universe will stay the same throughout
time?
A. Creationism Theory
B. Steady State Theory
C. Pulsating Theory
D. Big Bang Theory
4. Which of the following is true about the Oscillating Universe Theory?
A. The universe resulted from a series of Big Bang and Big Crunch.
B. The universe is always present and will not change.
C. The universe will not change its density.
D. The universe will not stop expanding.
5. What happens during nucleosynthesis?
A. Matter and antimatter collide with each other.
B. Atomic particles combine with other atomic particles.
C. Dark energy is produced.
D. Matter and antimatter combine with each other.
6. Which of the following is true about cosmic background radiation?
A. the aftermath of an explosion caused by Big Bang
B. the radiation produced by stars
C. the radiation that caused the destruction of planes
D. the result of colliding of hydrogen particles with helium
7. Which of the following is not true about the theories of the origin of the universe?
A. Oscillating Universe Theory combined the Big Bang and the Big Crunch.
B. Steady State Theory suggests that the universe’s expansion will not end.
C. Big Bang Theory stated that the universe would not end.
D. Big Bang theory is the most accepted theory about the origin of the universe.
8. Which of the following statements are true about the Steady State Theory?
I. The universe will not change its density.
II. The universe came from a singularity.
III. The universe resulted from a series of Big Bang and Big Crunch.
IV. The universe is always present and will not change.
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I ad IV
9. Arrange the following events to show the evolution of the universe as proposed by the
Big Bang Theory.
a. nucleosynthesis
b. Singularity
c. formation of planets, comets, and asteroids
d. formation of atomic particles
e. formation of stars and galaxies
f. explosion of the singularity
A. a,b,d,f,e,c
B. b,c,d,a,e,f
C. f,d,c,a,b,e
D. b,f,d,a,e,c
10. Why is the Big Bang Theory the most accepted theory about the origin of the universe?
A. Evidence found is aligned with the explanations of the Big Bang Theory.
B. Its counterparts failed to explain origin of the universe.
C. Other theories suggested that the universe has no start and no end.
D. Big Bang Theory is aligned with the teachings of some religion.