Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation

The cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that fills the universe and is a remnant of the early stages of the universe. It was first discovered in 1965 by Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978 for their discovery.

Explanation

The CMB radiation is the afterglow of the Big Bang, which is the event that is thought to have started the expansion of the universe. It is a faint glow of light that is spread evenly throughout the universe and can be detected in the form of microwave radiation. The CMB radiation has an almost uniform temperature of about 2.7 Kelvin, which is just slightly above absolute zero.

Scientists study the CMB radiation to gain insights into the early universe, such as its age, composition, and the processes that occurred during its formation. The slight variations in the temperature of the CMB radiation across the sky also provide valuable information about the distribution of matter and energy in the early universe.

Study Guide

1. What is cosmic microwave background radiation?

The cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that fills the universe and is a remnant of the early stages of the universe.

2. Who discovered the CMB radiation?

Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discovered the CMB radiation in 1965 and were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery.

3. What is the significance of studying the CMB radiation?

Studying the CMB radiation provides insights into the early universe, such as its age, composition, and the processes that occurred during its formation. It also helps in understanding the distribution of matter and energy in the early universe.

4. What is the temperature of the CMB radiation?

The CMB radiation has an almost uniform temperature of about 2.7 Kelvin, which is just slightly above absolute zero.

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