Chapter 33, Problem 13Q

To determine

Taking the given the questions into consideration, compare an explosion on Earth to the Big Bang.

Answer to Problem 13Q

Solution:

The explosion corresponding to the Big Bang is different in many ways from an ordinary explosion on Earth. The debris from the Big Bang does not come to rest.The explosion on Earth would correspond to a closed universe.

Explanation of Solution

The explosion corresponding to the Big Bang is different in many ways from an ordinary explosion on Earth. We can observe the explosion on Earth from one side, as it is an explosion in space, while there is no side to the Big Bang explosion as it is the beginning of space-time and the explosion of space itself.

The debris from the Big Bang, i.e., the galaxies, are spreading in a manner that the speed is proportional to the distance of the galaxies. For an explosion on Earth, the speed depends on the mass of the particles, in accordance with the principle of conservation of momentum.

The debris from the Big Bang does not come to rest, while the debris from an explosion on Earth comes to rest, because of the friction from air or ground after expending its kinetic energy.

The explosion on Earth would correspond to a closed universe.