Alpher

Definition

Alpher was an American physicist who played a crucial role in the development of Big Bang nucleosynthesis. He is best known for predicting the abundance of light elements in the early universe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alpher co-authored the landmark paper 'The Origin of Chemical Elements' with Hans Bethe and George Gamow in 1948.
2. His work laid the foundation for our understanding of how elements like hydrogen and helium were formed during the Big Bang.
3. Alpher predicted that a residual radiation from the Big Bang should exist, which led to the discovery of the Cosmic Microwave Background.
4. He received several awards for his contributions to cosmology, including the National Medal of Science.
5. Despite his significant contributions, Alpher's work was initially overshadowed by more prominent scientists like Gamow.

Review Questions

Related terms

Big Bang Nucleosynthesis:

The process through which light elements were formed in the early universe.

Cosmic Microwave Background:

Residual thermal radiation from the early stages of the universe, providing evidence for the Big Bang theory.

George Gamow: A physicist who worked with Alpher on developing theories about element formation and cosmic background radiation.