Big Bang Theory and Cosmic Mechanics

Flashcards focusing on key vocabulary concepts related to the Big Bang Theory and the structure of the universe.

Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)

Radiation left over from the Big Bang, observable with a radio telescope, and providing evidence for the Big Bang theory.

Horizon Problem

The issue of why different regions of the universe, which are separated by vast distances, have the same temperature.

Flatness Problem

The question of why the density of matter in the universe is so close to critical density, resulting in a flat universe.

Quantum Fluctuations

Temporary changes in energy levels that can create 'seeds' for structure in the universe, magnified during inflation.

Inflation

A rapid expansion of the universe that occurred after the Big Bang, theorized to have expanded the universe by a factor of 10^{30} in less than 10^{-36} seconds.

Dark Matter

A form of matter that does not interact with electromagnetic forces and is detectable only through its gravitational effects.

Dark Energy

A mysterious form of energy that is proposed to be the source of the universe's accelerated expansion.

Baryonic Matter

Ordinary matter made of protons, neutrons, and electrons that makes up stars, planets, and living beings.

Grand Unified Theory (GUT)

A theoretical framework that aims to describe all known fundamental forces except gravity in a single model.

Critical Density

The density at which the universe is perfectly balanced between continued expansion and eventual collapse.