Big crunch
Definition
The Big Crunch is a theoretical scenario in which the expansion of the universe eventually reverses, causing it to collapse back into a singularity. This hypothesis contrasts with the idea of an ever-expanding universe and suggests a cyclic model of cosmic evolution.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The Big Crunch suggests that gravitational forces will eventually overcome the expansion caused by the Big Bang.
- It implies that all matter and energy in the universe will compress into an extremely hot and dense state.
- This theory is contingent on the density of matter in the universe being high enough to halt its expansion.
- Observational data, such as measurements of cosmic microwave background radiation, are used to evaluate this possibility.
- The Big Crunch is one possible outcome among others like the Big Freeze or Big Rip.
Review Questions
- What conditions must be met for the Big Crunch to occur?
- How does the concept of the Big Crunch contrast with an ever-expanding universe?
- What observational evidence would support or refute the Big Crunch theory?
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Related terms
Big Bang: A scientific theory describing how the universe expanded from a very high-density and high-temperature initial state.
Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation: Electromagnetic radiation left over from an early stage of the universe, also known as relic radiation.
Big Rip: A hypothetical cosmological model where dark energy causes continuous acceleration leading to a future tearing apart of all structures in the universe.
