Final answer:
The Big Bang Theory is supported by four pillars of evidence: redshift of galaxies, cosmic microwave background radiation, abundance of light elements, and large-scale structure of the universe. Dark matter is invisible and is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter. Dark energy is a mysterious force causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
A) The 4 pillars of evidence for the Big Bang Theory are:
Redshift of galaxies: The observation that the light from distant galaxies is shifted towards the red end of the spectrum, indicating that they are moving away from us.
Cosmic microwave background radiation: The detection of low-level microwave radiation throughout the universe, which is believed to be remnants of the early hot and dense universe.
Abundance of light elements: The abundance of light elements, such as hydrogen and helium, matches the predictions of the Big Bang Theory.
Large-scale structure of the universe: The distribution of galaxies and galaxy clusters in the universe is consistent with the idea that the universe started from a small, hot, and dense state.
B) Dark matter
is a hypothetical form of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible to traditional detection methods. It is believed to exist based on its gravitational effects on visible matter and the observed rotation curves of galaxies. Dark matter plays a crucial role in the formation and structure of galaxies and the universe as a whole.
C) Dark energy
is a mysterious force that is thought to be causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate. It is not well understood, but it is believed to make up a significant portion of the universe. Its presence is inferred from observations of the distances between galaxies and the rate at which they are moving away from each other.