Question

Which two of these important properties of the universe can the simple Big Bang model NOT explain?

I) chemical composition,
II) uniformity,
III) critical density,
IV) current temperature

Answer 1

The Big Bang model cannot explain the chemical composition and uniformity of the universe. Inflationary theory suggests that rapid expansion after the Big Bang can account for these properties.

Step-by-step explanation:

The simple Big Bang model cannot explain two important properties of the universe: chemical composition and uniformity. The chemical composition of elements in the universe, such as hydrogen, helium, and heavier elements, cannot be accounted for solely by the Big Bang. Additionally, the uniformity of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) temperature in all directions is not explained by the standard Big Bang model.

However, these properties can be explained if there was a period of rapid expansion, known as inflation, just after the Big Bang. Inflationary theory suggests that the universe underwent exponential expansion, smoothing out any initial non-uniformities and leading to the observed uniformity of the CMB temperature. As for the chemical composition, the Big Bang model alone cannot explain the formation of heavier elements, which require processes like nucleosynthesis in stars.