[PHYSCI] The Big Bang Theory and Nuclear Reactions

Physical Science

Branch of natural science that studies non-living systems, in contrast to life science (Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics)

Singularity

A point in space and/or a moment in time where the universe was infinitely hot and dense (Universe was approx. 1cm in diameter)

Bombardment of Alpha Particle

Addition of alpha particle

Big Bang Theory

An effort to explain what happened at the very beginning of the universe; Our universe sprang into existence as singularity around 13.7 billion years ago

Recombination

An epoch/event at which charged electrons and protons first became bound to form electrically neutral hydrogen atoms

Astronomy

Celestial bodies; Universe as a whole

Chemistry

Composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter

Positron Emission

Conversion of a proton in a nucleus into a neutron, along with the release of a positron

Redshift

Displacement/shift of spectral lines toward longer wavelengths (the red end of the spectrum) in radiation from distant galaxies and celestial objects; They shift as they are moving away from an observer on Earth

Electron Capture

Drawing of an electron

Cosmic Microwave Background

Electromagnetic radiation left over from an early stage of the universe on Big Bang cosmology

Stellar Explosion or Supernova

Elements heavier than Iron were formed; As giant stars exhausted the nuclear fuel of light elements, its core started to collapse that eventually led to the explosion of stars (supernova) producing neutron capture and radioactive decay.

Gamma Radiation

Emission of a gamma ray; Determine a or b before computing for gamma radiation

Inflation

Exponential expansion of space in the early universe (Lasted from 10^-36 seconds)

Cosmology

Formation of the Universe; Origin and evolution of the universe

Continuously Expanding

Gravity caused these atoms to collapse onto one another to form stars and galaxies and other matter

Nuclear Reactions

Happen when two atomic nuclei collide with enough energy to produce one or more daughter nuclei (products) that are different from the parent nuclei (reactants); Also occur when a single nucleus collides with an external subatomic particle; Change in the identity or characteristics of an atomic nucleus, induced by bombarding it with an energetic particle; Involve processes in which a nucleus either combines with another nucleus or splits into smaller nuclei

Stellar Formation and Evolution

Heavier elements Beryllium (Be) to Iron (Fe) were formed; Cloud of Hydrogen and Helium gases condensed to form stars, including the sun; Stars became hotter and denser and nuclear reactions continued to produce heavier elements than Lithium (Li)

Beta Particles

High-speed electrons; Can be stopped by aluminum or plastic

Alpha Particles

High-speed particles; Consist of 2 protons and 2 neutrons; The nuclei of helium atoms; A piece of paper can stop the penetration of alpha particles

Physics

Interaction of matter and energy; fundamental forces of nature

Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

Light elements Hydrogen (H), Helium (He), and Lithium (Li) were formed.

Beta Decay

Loss of a beta particle

Alpha Decay

Loss of an alpha particle

Nucleosynthesis

Process that creates new atomic nuclei from pre-existing nucleons, primary protons and neutrons. As the universe cools (low temperature), protons and neutrons can fuse/combine to form heavier atomic nuclei.

Annihilation

Reaction in which a particle and its antiparticle collide and disappear, releasing energy

Quarks

Smallest particles; Elemental particle and fundamental constituent of matter; Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons and electrons

Gamma Rays

Very high energy photons whose energy is higher than that of x-rays; Can only be stopped by lead or any thick element; Can penetrate the skin