Cosmology
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to explain the Big Bang theory and cosmic evolution
- Students will be able to describe dark matter and dark energy
- Students will be able to understand the evidence for cosmic expansion
Core Concepts
- Big Bang
- Cosmic microwave background
- Dark matter
- Dark energy
Formulas
$$v = H_0 d$$
Hubble's Law for cosmic expansion
$$\Omega = \frac{\rho}{\rho_{crit}}$$
Density parameter determining universe geometry
Units
| Kilometer per second per megaparsec | km/s/Mpc |
Interesting Fact
Dark matter and dark energy together make up 95% of the universe
Key Scientist
Georges Lemaître
Developed the Big Bang theory
Philosophy
Cosmology directly addresses the deepest philosophical question: why does anything exist? The Big Bang gives a physical but not ultimate answer.
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