Question

The age of our solar system is about (a) one-third of the age of the universe. (b) three-fourths of the age of the universe. (c) two billion years less than the age of the universe.

Short answer

The correct answer is (a): one-third of the age of the universe.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The problem asks us to compare the age of our solar system with the age of the universe using three different statements. We need to identify which statement correctly describes this relationship.

Identifying Known Values

The age of the universe is estimated to be about 13.8 billion years, and the age of our solar system is approximately 4.6 billion years. We will use these values to compare and verify each statement.

Evaluating Option (a)

Option (a) states that the age of our solar system is one-third of the age of the universe. Calculate one-third of the universe's age: \[ \frac{1}{3} \times 13.8 \text{ billion years} = 4.6 \text{ billion years} \]This statement matches the known age of our solar system.

Evaluating Option (b)

Option (b) states that the age of our solar system is three-fourths of the age of the universe. Calculate three-fourths of the universe's age:\[ \frac{3}{4} \times 13.8 \text{ billion years} = 10.35 \text{ billion years} \]This does not match the known age of our solar system.

Evaluating Option (c)

Option (c) states that the age of our solar system is two billion years less than the age of the universe. Subtract two billion years from the universe's age:\[ 13.8 - 2 = 11.8 \text{ billion years} \]This does not match the known age of our solar system.

Concluding the Solution

Based on the evaluations of the options, option (a) is correct since it accurately describes the solar system's age as one-third of the universe's age.

Key concepts

Universe Age

The age of the universe is a fundamental concept in cosmology and helps us understand the timeline of all cosmic events. It is estimated that the universe is about 13.8 billion years old. This estimation is based on observations such as the cosmic microwave background radiation and the rate of the universe's expansion, known as the Hubble constant.

Several methods are employed to measure the universe's age. One key method involves calculating the ages of the oldest stars and galaxies. Another involves looking at the nuclear reactions that occur within stars.

• Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation: It provides a snapshot of the universe when it was just 380,000 years old.
• Redshift and Hubble's Law: Helping scientists assess the rate of the universe's expansion.
• Stellar and Galactic Evolution: By studying the oldest stellar populations.

The combination of these methods allows astrophysicists to cross-verify and refine their estimations, providing a more accurate picture of our universe's age.

Age Comparison

Age comparison between cosmic objects like our solar system and the universe gives insight into the sequence of events in cosmic evolution. It helps us set a timeline for the formation of cosmic structures. Our solar system is estimated to be approximately 4.6 billion years old, which is roughly one-third of the universe's age.

By understanding the relative ages of these structures, we can infer when critical events occurred, such as the formation of galaxies and the emergence of various types of stars. This comparison allows scientists to build models of how the universe has evolved over time.

• Universe: Approximately 13.8 billion years
• Solar System: Approximately 4.6 billion years
• Key Events: Formation of Milky Way, formation of the Sun and planets

Such comparisons use known ages of cosmic bodies and data from multiple observations, enhancing our grasp of the timeline and structure of cosmic history.

Cosmology

Cosmology is the scientific study of the universe's origin, structure, evolution, and eventual fate. It is a branch of astrophysics that seeks to answer fundamental questions about the universe, providing theoretical frameworks and observational data.

The Big Bang theory is the cornerstone of modern cosmology, explaining how the universe expanded from a hot, dense state to its current form. This model is supported by several key observations, including the cosmic microwave background radiation and the distribution of galaxies.

• The Big Bang: Describes the universe's expansion from a singularity.
• Inflation: A rapid expansion period immediately after the Big Bang.
• Dark Energy and Dark Matter: Constituents that shape the large-scale structure and dynamics of the universe.

Cosmology interconnects with other scientific fields such as particle physics and astronomy, utilizing the latest technologies and mathematical models to explore cosmic phenomena.

Astrophysics

Astrophysics is a branch of astronomy that deals with the physical properties and processes of celestial objects and phenomena. It involves comprehensive studies ranging from the smallest atomic particles to complex phenomena such as black holes and galaxies.

Astrophysics uses principles of physics and mathematics to understand how stars, planets, and galaxies form and interact. It provides insights into phenomena like star formation, supernova explosions, and the lifecycle of galaxies. It’s an interdisciplinary field, incorporating knowledge and techniques from different areas such as quantum mechanics and general relativity.

• Stellar Physics: Examining the life cycles, structures, and motion of stars.
• Galactic Dynamics: Understanding the structure and evolution of galaxies.
• High-Energy Astrophysics: Studying phenomena like black holes and neutron stars.

This vibrant field continuously evolves with advances in technology like telescopes and spacecraft, revealing new wonders and deepening our understanding of the universe.