Chapter 19: Problem 17
The cosmological principle says that a. the universe is expanding. b. the universe began in the Big Bang. c. the rules that govern the universe are the same everywhere d. all of the above
Short Answer
Expert verified
c. the rules that govern the universe are the same everywhere
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Question
The question is about the cosmological principle, so review what it signifies in cosmology.
02
Review Statements
Examine each provided statement: (a) states the universe is expanding, (b) states the universe began in the Big Bang, (c) states the rules that govern the universe are the same everywhere, (d) states all of the above.
03
Analyze Statement A
The cosmological principle mainly focuses on homogeneity and isotropy, not specifically on expansion. Statement (a) is not a core component of the cosmological principle.
04
Analyze Statement B
While the Big Bang theory is related to cosmology, it is not a direct part of the cosmological principle. Statement (b) does not describe the core idea of the cosmological principle.
05
Analyze Statement C
The cosmological principle states that the rules governing the universe are the same everywhere. This fits perfectly with the principle.
06
Analyze Statement D
Since statement (a) and (b) do not completely represent the cosmological principle but only statement (c) does, all of the above cannot be the right answer.
07
Conclusion
After reviewing and analyzing, the most accurate option is (c).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
homogeneity
In cosmology, homogeneity refers to the idea that the universe is uniform when observed on a large scale. This means that the distribution of matter and energy is roughly the same everywhere. If you were to pick two large volumes of space, they would look almost identical in terms of galaxy density and structure. It's like the universe is made up of many copies of the same large-scale structure.
Homogeneity is one of the key components of the cosmological principle. It helps simplify the equations and models used to describe the universe.
Although the universe is clumpy, with galaxies, stars, and planets, these irregularities disappear when averaged over large distances. The overall distribution becomes smooth and uniform, supporting the notion of homogeneity.
Homogeneity is one of the key components of the cosmological principle. It helps simplify the equations and models used to describe the universe.
Although the universe is clumpy, with galaxies, stars, and planets, these irregularities disappear when averaged over large distances. The overall distribution becomes smooth and uniform, supporting the notion of homogeneity.
isotropy
Isotropy means that the universe looks the same in every direction. No matter where you look, the properties of the universe are consistent in all directions.
If you imagine yourself at the center of a sphere, and observe the universe around you, the view would be the same, regardless of which direction you look. This consistency supports the idea that the universe does not have a preferred direction.
Isotropy, like homogeneity, is a fundamental aspect of the cosmological principle. It allows cosmologists to assume that the universe does not have any special points or directions.
This uniformity is important for forming the standard model of cosmology, as it ensures the laws of physics are the same everywhere.
If you imagine yourself at the center of a sphere, and observe the universe around you, the view would be the same, regardless of which direction you look. This consistency supports the idea that the universe does not have a preferred direction.
Isotropy, like homogeneity, is a fundamental aspect of the cosmological principle. It allows cosmologists to assume that the universe does not have any special points or directions.
This uniformity is important for forming the standard model of cosmology, as it ensures the laws of physics are the same everywhere.
cosmology
Cosmology is the scientific study of the universe as a whole. It seeks to understand the origins, evolution, and ultimate fate of the universe. This field of study examines the large-scale properties and structure of the universe.
Key topics in cosmology include the Big Bang theory, the expansion of the universe, dark matter, and dark energy. One of the central tenets of cosmology is the cosmological principle, which includes homogeneity and isotropy.
The cosmological principle states that the universe is homogeneous and isotropic on large scales. This means the universe looks the same everywhere and in every direction when viewed from a large-scale perspective.
Cosmologists use these principles to build models and theories that explain observations and predict future behaviors of the universe. By studying the universe, cosmologists hope to answer some of the biggest questions about existence and the nature of reality.
Key topics in cosmology include the Big Bang theory, the expansion of the universe, dark matter, and dark energy. One of the central tenets of cosmology is the cosmological principle, which includes homogeneity and isotropy.
The cosmological principle states that the universe is homogeneous and isotropic on large scales. This means the universe looks the same everywhere and in every direction when viewed from a large-scale perspective.
Cosmologists use these principles to build models and theories that explain observations and predict future behaviors of the universe. By studying the universe, cosmologists hope to answer some of the biggest questions about existence and the nature of reality.