Eras of the Big Bang Theory

Flashcards about the Eras of the Big Bang Theory

Planck Era

All the basic forces of nature are still combined and called the 'super force'

Grand Unified Theory (GUT) Era

Gravity 'freezes out' and becomes distinct

Planck Era

All the basic forces of nature are still combined and called the 'super force'

Grand Unified Theory (GUT) Era

Gravity 'freezes out' and becomes distinct

Electroweak Era

The nuclear strong force 'freezes out' and becomes distinct

Nuclear weak force

The force responsible for radioactivity.

Nuclear strong force

The force responsible for binding the nuclei of atoms by holding protons and neutrons together.

Electromagnetism

The force responsible for electricity and light.

Gravity

The force responsible for keeping the planets in orbit around the sun, and why we are bound to Earth.

Particle Era

Particles begin to form (protons, neutrons, electrons, quarks)

Era of Nucleosynthesis

Nuclear fusion creates Helium and a tiny amount of heavier elements.

Era of Nuclei

Electrons are not yet bound to nuclei, and the universe consisted of plasma of hydrogen nuclei, helium nuclei, and free electrons.

Era of Atoms

Electrons recombine to form neutral atoms, and the first stars are born. The universe consisted of a mixture of neutral atoms and plasma.

Era of Galaxies

Galaxies begin to form, leading up to the present. The protogalactic clouds formed into galaxies and the first generations of stars were created within them.