Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals
Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals
3rd Edition
ISBN: 9780134988504
Author: Bennett, Jeffrey O., Donahue, M. (megan), SCHNEIDER, Nicholas, Voit, Mark
Publisher: Pearson,
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 13, Problem 1QQ

Choose the best answer to each of the following. Explain your reasoning.

What is the current temperature of the universe?(a) absolute zero (b) a few degrees K (c) a few thousand degrees K

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
To determine

The current temperature of the universe.

Answer to Problem 1QQ

b. Few degrees K

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Some microwave photons are observed since the end of the era of nuclei travelling through the space. The cosmic microwave background consists of these microwave photons. The photon starts travelling when the neutral atom formed by joining the electrons with the nuclei. So, very few free electrons are available as constrains in the path of the photon. As a result, the maximum photons travelled in the space were unobstructed.

Option (b) is: Few degrees K

The Big Bang theory predicts that the cosmic microwave background would show a perfect thermal spectrum generated due to the heat of the universe. The universe was cooled to the temperature of about 3000 K when the cosmic wave background broke free. Originally, the spectrum shows peak at 1000 nm. The peak is observed at 1000 nm because the universe is expanded by a factor of 1000. Now the wavelength of the photon is extended 1000 times the original wavelength. So, the peak wavelength is expected to be about a millimeter which lies in the microwave portion of the spectrum and corresponds to a temperature of about 2.7 K.

So, option (b) is correct and (a) and (c) are incorrect.

Conclusion:

The temperature of the universe is few degrees above the absolute zero.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
For this question, CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER, then explain your reasoning in the RATIONALE section below: Alpha, Beta-plus, Beta-minus and Gamma decay are all different forms of radio-Active decay. A certain radio-isotope emits ONE alpha particle, and its products then emit TWO beta-minus particles in succession. The atomic number of the final resulting nucleus will now change (as compared to your starting nucleus) by O A. zero O B. minus 1 OC. minus 2 O D. minus 3
For this question, CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER, then explain your reasoning in the RATIONALE section below: Alpha, Beta-plus, Beta-minus and Gamma decay are all different forms of radio-Active decay. A certain radio-isotope emits ONE alpha particle, and its products then emit TWO beta-minus particles in succession. The atomic number of the final resulting nucleus will now change (as compared to your starting nucleus) by   A. zero B. minus 1 C. minus 2 D. minus 3
Please help me answer part A and B
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:9780133969290
Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:9781107189638
Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Text book image
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:9781337553278
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:9780321820464
Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:Addison-Wesley
Text book image
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...
Physics
ISBN:9780134609034
Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:PEARSON
General Relativity: The Curvature of Spacetime; Author: Professor Dave Explains;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7V3koyL7Mc;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY