THE BIG BANG Theory…

How did the universe begin?

In the Beginning….15 billion Years ago the universe as we know it did not exist.

The Universe was squashed together in a space no bigger than a beach ball

Then it exploded:

However, no particles existed because it is too hot

nanoseconds laterThe Universe has expanded

It is (10³²)°C 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

Quarks (the particles that make up protons electrons and neutron) form

Matter Destroys antimatter

1 Second after BBThe Universe has expanded rapidly it is now 100 million times it original size

It is cooler 1010 ºC(100,000,000,000)

As the universe cools the bigger quarks could bind together to make protons and neutrons

Gradually the Four types of force that currently exist (Strong Nuclear, Weak Nuclear Electromagnetic and gravity) combine into a “super force” to enable nuclei to be created

3 Minutes after BBThe universe is now to big to measureIt is a little cooler (109 ºC)Protons neutrons form Hydrogen and Helium NucleiElectrons exist separately but over time join with nuclei to make Hydrogen atoms

300 Million Years after BBFirst galaxies and stars are formedThe death of the first stars makes heavier elementsUniverse is still expanding and cooled to 6000ºCHeavier elements are formed in the cores of dying stars and scattered around by nova’s and supernovas

Up to date5 Billion Years ago(10 Billion after BB)- Sun/solar system born

4 Billion Years ago(11Billion after BB)- DNA Formed

65 Million Years ago-(15 Billion after BB)Dinosaurs extinct

Universe is still expanding

It has cooled to -270ºC

How we Know all this

Background radiation map showing radiation ripples and lumps from explosion (1989)

Red shift- all stars are moving away from one another (expansion)

Radio signals- most are 15 billion YO and are similar to those generated by bomb explosions

Universe is still cooling

Splitting the atom

Particle research

Background radiation map showing radiation ripples and lumps from explosion (1989)

What happens next?One of three things will happen to the universe (depending on the amount

of “black matter”)

1. Open Universe-The Universe will expand forever (not enough black matter)

2. Flat Universe-The Universe will stop and stay at a particluar size

3. The Closed universe (the Big Crunch)