Question 1

Which of the following statements correctly summarizes the events in the early universe according to the Big Bang theory?

Accepted Answer

A) The Big Bang began with the initiation of what we call inflation, which gradually slowed to the current expansion rate of the universe. Forces came to exist for a different reason, having to do with quantum fluctuations in the space- time continuum. Particles came to exist as a result of cracks made when forces froze. Once there were particles, gravity brought them together to make stars, and the stars then turned the particles into hydrogen, helium, and other elements. 
B) An episode of what we call inflation initiated the event of the Big Bang. Once the Big Bang got underway, particles and forces began to appear one by one. The forces produced protons, which fused to make hydrogen and helium until the universe was about 380,000 years old. Then gravity began to act, turning the hydrogen and helium into galaxies. 
C) Forces and various subatomic particles began to appear during the first second after the Big Bang. For reasons not understood, the particles were all made of ordinary matter and none were made of antimatter, thus explaining why we live in a universe made of matter. The particles underwent some fusion for the first 380,000 years after the Big Bang, at which time the first stars were born. 
D) The universe began with the forces unified. During the first fraction of a second, the forces separated and there was a brief but important episode of inflation. Subatomic particles of both matter and antimatter then began to appear from the energy present in the universe. Most of the particles annihilated to make photons, but some became protons, neutrons, electrons, and neutrinos. The protons and neutrons underwent some fusion during the first five minutes, thereby determining the basic chemical composition of the universe. 
A) The Big Bang began with the initiation of what we call inflation, which gradually slowed to the current expansion rate of the universe. Forces came to exist for a different reason, having to do with quantum fluctuations in the space- time continuum. Particles came to exist as a result of cracks made when forces froze. Once there were particles, gravity brought them together to make stars, and the stars then turned the particles into hydrogen, helium, and other elements. 
B) An episode of what we call inflation initiated the event of the Big Bang. Once the Big Bang got underway, particles and forces began to appear one by one. The forces produced protons, which fused to make hydrogen and helium until the universe was about 380,000 years old. Then gravity began to act, turning the hydrogen and helium into galaxies. 
C) Forces and various subatomic particles began to appear during the first second after the Big Bang. For reasons not understood, the particles were all made of ordinary matter and none were made of antimatter, thus explaining why we live in a universe made of matter. The particles underwent some fusion for the first 380,000 years after the Big Bang, at which time the first stars were born. 
D) The universe began with the forces unified. During the first fraction of a second, the forces separated and there was a brief but important episode of inflation. Subatomic particles of both matter and antimatter then began to appear from the energy present in the universe. Most of the particles annihilated to make photons, but some became protons, neutrons, electrons, and neutrinos. The protons and neutrons underwent some fusion during the first five minutes, thereby determining the basic chemical composition of the universe.

Question 2

Which adjective does not necessarily describe a known feature of the early universe? (Be sure to consider the universe as a whole, not just the observable universe.)

Accepted Answer

A) small 
B) filled with intense radiation 
C) dense 
D) hot 
A) small 
B) filled with intense radiation 
C) dense 
D) hot

Question 3

How do we determine the conditions that existed in the very early universe?

Accepted Answer

A) The conditions in the very early universe must have been much like those found in stars today, so we learn about them by studying stars. 
B) We work backward from current conditions to calculate what temperatures and densities must have been when the observable universe was much smaller in size. 
C) We look all the way to the cosmological horizon, where we can see the actual conditions that prevailed all the way back to the first instant of the Big Bang. 
D) We can only guess at the conditions, since we have no way to calculate or observe what they were. 
A) The conditions in the very early universe must have been much like those found in stars today, so we learn about them by studying stars. 
B) We work backward from current conditions to calculate what temperatures and densities must have been when the observable universe was much smaller in size. 
C) We look all the way to the cosmological horizon, where we can see the actual conditions that prevailed all the way back to the first instant of the Big Bang. 
D) We can only guess at the conditions, since we have no way to calculate or observe what they were.

Question 4

The cosmic microwave background peaks at a wavelength of about 1 mm, and the universe has a temperature of about 3 K. If the microwave background peaked at a wavelength of 10 micrometers, what would its temperature be? (Hint: see Cosmic Calculations 5.1 and 17.1)

Accepted Answer

A) about 300 K 
B) about 0.03 K 
C) about 0.3 K 
D) about 30 K 
A) about 300 K 
B) about 0.03 K 
C) about 0.3 K 
D) about 30 K

Question 5

What is the Big Bang theory?

Accepted Answer

A) the idea that the universe as we see it formed when two massive galaxies collided together 
B) the idea that the galaxy formed from the supernova explosion of a massive star 
C) the idea that all matter and energy in the universe began in an unimaginably dense state, and then space itself began expanding 
A) the idea that the universe as we see it formed when two massive galaxies collided together 
B) the idea that the galaxy formed from the supernova explosion of a massive star 
C) the idea that all matter and energy in the universe began in an unimaginably dense state, and then space itself began expanding

Question 6

Approximately how long did the nucleosynthesis era last?

Accepted Answer

A) 5 years 
B) 0)001 seconds 
C) 10- 10 seconds 
D) 5 seconds 
E) 5 minutes 
A) 5 years 
B) 0)001 seconds 
C) 10- 10 seconds 
D) 5 seconds 
E) 5 minutes

Question 7

The four fundamental forces that operate in the universe today are _ .

Accepted Answer

A) strong force, weak force, electric force, magnetic force 
B) nuclear force, gravity, electric force, magnetic force 
C) nuclear force, electromagnetic force, gravity, tidal force 
D) strong force, weak force, electromagnetic force, gravity 
A) strong force, weak force, electric force, magnetic force 
B) nuclear force, gravity, electric force, magnetic force 
C) nuclear force, electromagnetic force, gravity, tidal force 
D) strong force, weak force, electromagnetic force, gravity

Question 8

Why can't current theories describe what happened during the Planck era?

Accepted Answer

A) We do not yet have a theory that links quantum mechanics and general relativity. 
B) The Planck era was the time before the Big Bang, and we cannot describe what happened before that instant. 
C) We do not know how hot or dense the universe was during that time. 
D) We do not understand the properties of antimatter. 
A) We do not yet have a theory that links quantum mechanics and general relativity. 
B) The Planck era was the time before the Big Bang, and we cannot describe what happened before that instant. 
C) We do not know how hot or dense the universe was during that time. 
D) We do not understand the properties of antimatter.

Question 9

If inflation really occurred, then our observable universe is only a tiny portion of the entire universe born in the Big Bang.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Olbers' paradox is an apparently simple question, but its resolution suggests that the universe is finite in age. What is the question?

Accepted Answer

A) Can we measure the position and momentum of an electron at the same time? 
B) Why is the sky dark at night? 
C) How many stars are in the universe? 
D) What would it be like to ride on a beam of light? 
A) Can we measure the position and momentum of an electron at the same time? 
B) Why is the sky dark at night? 
C) How many stars are in the universe? 
D) What would it be like to ride on a beam of light?

Question 11

What do we mean by inflation?

Accepted Answer

A) the photons released when electrons and protons first combined, forming the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation 
B) the sudden release of photons when particles and antiparticles annihilate each other 
C) the expansion of universe starting with the instant after the Big Bang 
D) a sudden expansion of the universe driven by the energy released when the strong and electroweak forces froze out from the GUT force 
E) the rapid expansion of the universe, driven by white dwarf supernova, that we still observe today 
A) the photons released when electrons and protons first combined, forming the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation 
B) the sudden release of photons when particles and antiparticles annihilate each other 
C) the expansion of universe starting with the instant after the Big Bang 
D) a sudden expansion of the universe driven by the energy released when the strong and electroweak forces froze out from the GUT force 
E) the rapid expansion of the universe, driven by white dwarf supernova, that we still observe today

Question 12

Which of the following histories are in the correct order of occurrence?

Accepted Answer

A) The Big Bang happens simultaneously with the start of the expansion of the universe, then stars make the first elements heavier than helium, then the Sun forms. 
B) The Big Bang happens simultaneously with the start of the expansion of the universe, then the Sun and stars make the first elements heavier than helium. 
C) The Big Bang, then the expansion starts, then the Sun and stars make the first elements heavier than helium. 
D) The Big Bang, then the expansion starts, then stars make the first elements heavier than helium, then the Sun forms. 
A) The Big Bang happens simultaneously with the start of the expansion of the universe, then stars make the first elements heavier than helium, then the Sun forms. 
B) The Big Bang happens simultaneously with the start of the expansion of the universe, then the Sun and stars make the first elements heavier than helium. 
C) The Big Bang, then the expansion starts, then the Sun and stars make the first elements heavier than helium. 
D) The Big Bang, then the expansion starts, then stars make the first elements heavier than helium, then the Sun forms.

Question 13

Creation science claims that scientific evidence can and does prove God made the universe. Select the statement which does not identify a legitimate objection to this claim. (Recall the hallmarks of science.)

Accepted Answer

A) If "God did it" is the explanation for everything, then final exams in astronomy would be very simple (all answers would be the same!), and science experiments would be very easy to explain, but we wouldn't learn much about the natural world. 
B) Scientists are not allowed to believe in God. 
C) Science cannot prove (or disprove)the existence of a superpowerful, supernatural deity. 
D) The statement that "God did it" cannot be falsified by science, and therefore it is not a statement that science can test. 
A) If "God did it" is the explanation for everything, then final exams in astronomy would be very simple (all answers would be the same!), and science experiments would be very easy to explain, but we wouldn't learn much about the natural world. 
B) Scientists are not allowed to believe in God. 
C) Science cannot prove (or disprove)the existence of a superpowerful, supernatural deity. 
D) The statement that "God did it" cannot be falsified by science, and therefore it is not a statement that science can test.

Question 14

What is the temperature of the universe (as a whole)today?

Accepted Answer

A) 3000 K 
B) 3 K 
C) 300 K 
D) The universe cannot be said to have a single temperature. 
A) 3000 K 
B) 3 K 
C) 300 K 
D) The universe cannot be said to have a single temperature.

Question 15

Which statement about the cosmic microwave background is not true?

Accepted Answer

A) With the exception of very small variations, it appears essentially the same in all directions in which we look into space. 
B) Its spectrum corresponds to a temperature of just under 3 degrees above absolute zero. 
C) It is thought to be radiation that began its journey to our telescopes when the universe was about 380,000 years old. 
D) It is the result of a mixture of radiation from many independent sources, such as stars and galaxies. 
A) With the exception of very small variations, it appears essentially the same in all directions in which we look into space. 
B) Its spectrum corresponds to a temperature of just under 3 degrees above absolute zero. 
C) It is thought to be radiation that began its journey to our telescopes when the universe was about 380,000 years old. 
D) It is the result of a mixture of radiation from many independent sources, such as stars and galaxies.

Question 16

Which of the following claims cannot be proved or disproved by science?

Accepted Answer

A) The universe was created by God. 
B) The universe is about 14 billion years old. 
C) The universe started out very hot. 
D) The universe is about 2000 years old. 
A) The universe was created by God. 
B) The universe is about 14 billion years old. 
C) The universe started out very hot. 
D) The universe is about 2000 years old.

Question 17

Recent measurements of the temperature fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation support the prediction of inflation that the overall geometry of the universe is flat.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

How does the idea of inflation account for the existence of the "seeds" of density from which galaxies and other large structures formed?

Accepted Answer

A) Inflation would have caused random, microscopic quantum fluctuations to grow so large in size that they became the seeds of structure. 
B) Inflation predicts that temperatures and densities should have become nearly equal throughout the universe. 
C) Inflation predicts that gravity would have been very strong and thereby would have concentrated mass into seeds. 
D) Inflation tells us that the universe should have a "flat" overall geometry, and this led to the flat disks of galaxies. 
A) Inflation would have caused random, microscopic quantum fluctuations to grow so large in size that they became the seeds of structure. 
B) Inflation predicts that temperatures and densities should have become nearly equal throughout the universe. 
C) Inflation predicts that gravity would have been very strong and thereby would have concentrated mass into seeds. 
D) Inflation tells us that the universe should have a "flat" overall geometry, and this led to the flat disks of galaxies.

Question 19

Which of the following statements best explains what we mean when we say that the electroweak and strong forces "froze out" at 10- 38 second after the Big Bang?

Accepted Answer

A) Following this time, neither the strong nor electroweak forces were ever important in the universe again. 
B) These forces are important only at temperatures below the freezing point of water-a temperature that the universe reached at an age of about at 10- 38 second. 
C) Freezing out was a term coined by particle physicists who think that the Big Bang theory is really cool. 
D) These two forces first became distinct at this time. 
A) Following this time, neither the strong nor electroweak forces were ever important in the universe again. 
B) These forces are important only at temperatures below the freezing point of water-a temperature that the universe reached at an age of about at 10- 38 second. 
C) Freezing out was a term coined by particle physicists who think that the Big Bang theory is really cool. 
D) These two forces first became distinct at this time.

Question 20

What kinds of atomic nuclei formed during the nucleosynthesis era?

Accepted Answer

A) essentially all of the chemical elements, except for those heavier than uranium 
B) hydrogen, helium and trace amounts of lithium, beryllium, and boron 
C) only helium 
D) only hydrogen 
E) roughly equal amounts of hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, and boron 
A) essentially all of the chemical elements, except for those heavier than uranium 
B) hydrogen, helium and trace amounts of lithium, beryllium, and boron 
C) only helium 
D) only hydrogen 
E) roughly equal amounts of hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, and boron

Which of the following statements correctly summarizes the events in the early universe according to the Big Bang theory?

Which adjective does not necessarily describe a known feature of the early universe? (Be sure to consider the universe as a whole, not just the observable universe.)

How do we determine the conditions that existed in the very early universe?

The cosmic microwave background peaks at a wavelength of about 1 mm, and the universe has a temperature of about 3 K. If the microwave background peaked at a wavelength of 10 micrometers, what would its temperature be? (Hint: see Cosmic Calculations 5.1 and 17.1)

What is the Big Bang theory?

Approximately how long did the nucleosynthesis era last?

The four fundamental forces that operate in the universe today are _ .

Why can't current theories describe what happened during the Planck era?

If inflation really occurred, then our observable universe is only a tiny portion of the entire universe born in the Big Bang.

Olbers' paradox is an apparently simple question, but its resolution suggests that the universe is finite in age. What is the question?

What do we mean by inflation?

Which of the following histories are in the correct order of occurrence?

Creation science claims that scientific evidence can and does prove God made the universe. Select the statement which does not identify a legitimate objection to this claim. (Recall the hallmarks of science.)

What is the temperature of the universe (as a whole)today?

Which statement about the cosmic microwave background is not true?

Which of the following claims cannot be proved or disproved by science?

Recent measurements of the temperature fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation support the prediction of inflation that the overall geometry of the universe is flat.

How does the idea of inflation account for the existence of the "seeds" of density from which galaxies and other large structures formed?

Which of the following statements best explains what we mean when we say that the electroweak and strong forces "froze out" at 10- 38 second after the Big Bang?

What kinds of atomic nuclei formed during the nucleosynthesis era?

A Modern View of the Universe

Discovering the Universe for Yourself

The Science of Astronomy

Making Sense of the Universe: Understanding Motion, Energy, and Gravity

Light: the Cosmic Messenger

Formation of the Solar System

Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds

Jovian Planet System

Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: Their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts

Other Planetary Systems: the New Science of Distant Worlds

Our Star

Surveying the Stars

Star Stuff

The Bizarre Stellar Graveyard

Our Galaxy

A Universe of Galaxies

Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Fate of the Universe

Life in the Universe

Filters

Exam 17: The Birth of the Universe

Which of the following statements correctly summarizes the events in the early universe according to the Big Bang theory?

Which adjective does not necessarily describe a known feature of the early universe? (Be sure to consider the universe as a whole, not just the observable universe.)

How do we determine the conditions that existed in the very early universe?

The cosmic microwave background peaks at a wavelength of about 1 mm, and the universe has a temperature of about 3 K. If the microwave background peaked at a wavelength of 10 micrometers, what would its temperature be? (Hint: see Cosmic Calculations 5.1 and 17.1)

What is the Big Bang theory?

Approximately how long did the nucleosynthesis era last?

The four fundamental forces that operate in the universe today are _ .

Why can't current theories describe what happened during the Planck era?

If inflation really occurred, then our observable universe is only a tiny portion of the entire universe born in the Big Bang.

Olbers' paradox is an apparently simple question, but its resolution suggests that the universe is finite in age. What is the question?

What do we mean by inflation?

Which of the following histories are in the correct order of occurrence?

Creation science claims that scientific evidence can and does prove God made the universe. Select the statement which does not identify a legitimate objection to this claim. (Recall the hallmarks of science.)

What is the temperature of the universe (as a whole)today?

Which statement about the cosmic microwave background is not true?

Which of the following claims cannot be proved or disproved by science?

Recent measurements of the temperature fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation support the prediction of inflation that the overall geometry of the universe is flat.

How does the idea of inflation account for the existence of the "seeds" of density from which galaxies and other large structures formed?

Which of the following statements best explains what we mean when we say that the electroweak and strong forces "froze out" at 10- 38 second after the Big Bang?

What kinds of atomic nuclei formed during the nucleosynthesis era?

A Modern View of the Universe

Discovering the Universe for Yourself

The Science of Astronomy

Making Sense of the Universe: Understanding Motion, Energy, and Gravity

Light: the Cosmic Messenger

Formation of the Solar System

Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds

Jovian Planet System

Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: Their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts

Other Planetary Systems: the New Science of Distant Worlds

Our Star

Surveying the Stars

Star Stuff

The Bizarre Stellar Graveyard

Our Galaxy

A Universe of Galaxies

Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Fate of the Universe

Life in the Universe

Filters