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What were the majority of atoms produced during the Big Bang?
  • a)
    Hydrogen
  • b)
    Helium
  • c)
    Oxygen
  • d)
    Carbon
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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What were the majority of atoms produced during the Big Bang?a)Hydroge...
The majority of atoms produced during the Big Bang were hydrogen, along with some helium and traces of lithium.
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What were the majority of atoms produced during the Big Bang?a)Hydroge...
Overview of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
The Big Bang theory explains the formation of the universe and the primary elements produced in its early moments, known as Big Bang nucleosynthesis. This process occurred within the first few minutes after the Big Bang when the universe was hot and dense.
Production of Light Elements
During this initial phase, the extreme temperatures and pressures facilitated nuclear reactions, leading to the formation of the lightest elements. The predominant atoms produced were:
  • Hydrogen: Approximately 75% of the universe's baryonic mass is composed of hydrogen. Protons were formed from quarks, and these protons became the basic building blocks of hydrogen.
  • Helium: Roughly 25% of the mass was converted into helium, primarily in the form of helium-4 nuclei, as nuclear fusion occurred among protons and neutrons.
  • Trace Elements: Minor amounts of lithium and beryllium were formed, but the quantities were significantly less than hydrogen and helium.


Why Hydrogen Dominates
The dominance of hydrogen is due to several factors:
  • Simple Structure: Hydrogen, being the simplest element, requires the least energy to form. The fusion process favored its production over heavier elements.
  • Stability: Hydrogen nuclei (protons) are stable and do not undergo further fusion under the conditions present at the time, allowing them to remain abundant.


Conclusion
In summary, while helium was also produced in significant quantities, the overwhelming majority of atoms formed during the Big Bang were hydrogen. This abundance laid the foundation for later star formation and the synthesis of heavier elements in stellar processes.
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What were the majority of atoms produced during the Big Bang?a)Hydrogenb)Heliumc)Oxygend)CarbonCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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