Origins of the Universe and Electromagnetic Spectrum Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering key concepts, evidence for the Big Bang Theory, and properties of the Electromagnetic Spectrum based on Unit 1A study guide materials.

Density of the Universe

The state of the universe being really dense in the beginning at the Big Bang and expanding over time.

Amount of Matter and Energy

The total amount of matter and energy in the universe that stays constant after the Big Bang occurred.

Four Objects Created During the Big Bang

The four fundamental components created during the Big Bang: matter, space, time, and energy.

Big Bang Theory

The current model of how the universe began about $13.8\text{ billion}$ years ago through matter, time, energy, and space.

Radiation

The emission and propagation of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, as well as moving subatomic particles.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

All of the frequencies or wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that are associated with an electromagnetic field.

Short Wavelength

A wave characteristic indicating high energy level.

Long Wavelength

A wave characteristic indicating low energy level.

Gamma Rays

The type of electromagnetic wave with the shortest wavelength and highest frequency, used by doctors to see inside the body and to kill bacteria in food.

Radio Waves

The type of electromagnetic wave with the longest wavelength and lowest frequency, used for both radio and music.

Red Light

The color of visible light that has the longest wavelength.

Violet Light

The color of visible light that has the highest frequency.

Ultraviolet Radiation

A section of the electromagnetic spectrum used in tanning beds.

Microwaves

A section of the electromagnetic spectrum used for satellite communication, mobile phones, and cooking.

Visible Light

A section of the electromagnetic spectrum used in photography and television.

X-rays

A section of the electromagnetic spectrum that produces images of luggage and the human skeleton.

Infrared Radiation

A section of the electromagnetic spectrum used in remote controls, heat transfers, and night vision.

Spectral Lines

Unique frequencies absorbed or emitted by a gas, functioning like individual fingerprints to identify an element.

Doppler Effect

The change in frequency of light when an object is moving; redshift shows that galaxies are moving away from us, supporting an expanding universe.

Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMB)

Leftover radiation from when the universe was extremely hot and dense in its early stages.

Abundance of Hydrogen and Helium

Evidence supporting the Big Bang theory based on the large amounts of hydrogen and helium matching predictions of early universe formation.

Hubble's Law

The law demonstrating that galaxies farther away are moving away faster, providing evidence that the universe is expanding.