Big Bang Flashcard

Front

What is the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB)?

Back

The CMB is the remaining energy from the Big Bang, filling the universe and providing evidence for the Big Bang theory.

Front

What does it mean that the universe is expanding?

Back

It means that all galaxies are moving away from each other, indicating that the universe started from a single point and is cooling down.

Front

What happens to spectral lines when a star moves towards an observer?

Back

The spectral lines are shifted towards the blue light, indicating that the star is moving closer.

Front

What are two pieces of evidence for the current theory of the universe?

Back

Redshift and cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) are two key pieces of evidence.

Front

What is redshift?

Back

Redshift is the phenomenon where light from an object moving away from an observer is shifted to longer wavelengths, making it appear redder.

Front

What is blueshift?

Back

Blueshift is the phenomenon where light from an object moving towards an observer is shifted to shorter wavelengths, making it appear bluer.

Front

What is the significance of the Doppler effect in astronomy?

Back

The Doppler effect helps astronomers determine whether an object in space is moving towards or away from us based on the shift in its spectral lines.

Front

What does the term 'Big Bang' refer to?

Back

The Big Bang refers to the leading scientific explanation for the origin of the universe, suggesting it began from an extremely hot and dense state.

Front

How does the expansion of the universe affect galaxies?

Back

As the universe expands, galaxies move away from each other, leading to an increase in the distance between them over time.

Front

What is the relationship between the CMB and the Big Bang theory?

Back

The CMB provides strong evidence for the Big Bang theory, as it represents the afterglow of the initial explosion that created the universe.