Scientific background information
The Big Bang Theory is the cosmological model that explains how the current state of the universe came into existence. Scientific theories explain that approximately 13.75 billion years ago, the universe was dense, compact and extremely hot (Wollack 5). It then expanded rapidly releasing massive amounts of energy. The rapid expansion was followed by rapid cooling which resulted in the conversion of energy into sub-atomic particles (electrons, protons and neutrons) (Menegoni 13). According to scientific theories, the neutrons and the neutrons combined atomic nuclei minutes after the big bang to form the nuclei. According to Wollack, the electrons took thousands of years to combine with the nuclei and form the building blocks of matter (7). The first element formed by the combining of these subatomic particles was Hydrogen together with Helium and Lithium. Primordial elements would later coalesce through gravity to form the celestial bodies such as the stars.
Physics principles and laws
Various physics laws support the big bang theory. The law of gravity by Isaac Newton has proved that there exists a pull towards all objects towards the centre of the earth (Tolman 27). Newton’s law of cooling which states that the rate of change of temperature is proportional to the temperature difference between two bodies also supports the rapid cooling and solidification of bodies in the universe (Tolman 30). Moreover, the laws of attraction between protons as positive and electrons as negative prove the reason as to why materials coalesced to form the objects we now see. Physics theories in relation to mass, velocity and other properties also emphasize on the dynamics of matter. Indeed, the laws of physics are the most comprehensive elaboration as to the variety of astronomical phenomena observed in the universe. Studies on the atom have shown that it is indeed the basic building block of matter in the entire universe.
Current research information
Research has been ongoing since the ancient of days on the atom and terrestrial bodies. The theory of relativity by Albert Einstein in 1915 and studies by Russian Physicist Alexander Friedman in 1922 have formed much of the groundwork in current research about the big bang (Wollack 8). In 1929 American astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered that the light from galaxies far away was moved towards the red extreme end of the spectrum. He therefore proved that to date the galaxies move away from each other as explained in the big bang (Tolman 19). Over the years various scientists have confirmed that in deed the universe resulted from the big bang. A 2009 research by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific and the Virgo Collaboration has limited the gravitational waves output of the Big Bang (Wollack 22). The research also constrains models of cosmic strings and other objects suggested to have resulted from the Big Bang by suggesting that the universe is still expanding. Moreover, gravitational-wave scientists from the Penn State University have suggested new details of the universe prior to the Big Bang. The team of scientists is said to have detected primordial gravitational waves which have rippled through the fabric of time and space.
Own observation and viewpoint
Based on the overwhelming evidence from scientific studies over the last century I believe that the current state of the universe could be a result of the Big Bang. The laws of physics on expansion and matter are evident in day to day life and it therefore possible that the laws could have impacted heavily on the original form of the universe resulting in the Big Bang.
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Works Cited
Wollack, Edward . “Cosmology: The Study of the Universe.” Universe 101: Big Bang Theory.
NASA. 2010.
Menegoni, Elias."New constraints on variations of the fine structure constant from CMB
anisotropies". Physical Review. 2009.
Tolman, Richards. “Relativity, Thermodynamics, and Cosmology” Clarendon Press.1934.
