How does the Theory of Relativity relate to the Big Bang Theory?

Question

Ariana Acosta · Accepted Answer

Special and General relativity have both contributed the theoretical basis of the the nature of energy, gravity and of spacetime that made the "Big Bang" theory possible.

Special Relativity resulted in the famous #E = mc^2# formula that equated mass and energy, as set down the means by which a massive burst of energy could eventually have condensed into all the matter in the universe today. It makes possible the fact that all fundamental particles sort of "congealed" out of that unimaginably large burst of energy that was the start of everything. (Here, I am assuming you have a good grasp of the Big Bang and how the universe came to be; I will not detail that lengthy story!) The part that General Relativity has played is essentially to produce the equations that would be solved to create possible scenarios for how the expansion of the universe took place. Essentially, the equations of General Relativity allow for certain mechanisms to occur when we try to grasp the many events that had to have occurred at various stages in the history of the universe - for instance, the creation of light, the appearance of the first quarks, the first atoms, and so on. All in all, it is a fascinating topic to dive into! But also much to involved to do more than what I have outlined here. I hope that is what you were looking for!

Asher Cohen · Answer

undefined The General Theory of Relativity, which describes how matter and energy interact with spacetime and allows for the prediction of the universe's expansion and evolution as outlined in the Big Bang Theory, was proposed by Albert Einstein and is essential to understanding the Big Bang Theory because it provides the framework for explaining the universe's expansion.

Claire Anctil · Answer

undefined The ory of Relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, plays a significant role in our understanding of the universe, particularly in relation to the Big Bang Theory. According to the Theory of Relativity, space and time are interconnected in a four-dimensional continuum known as spacetime. This theory provides the framework for understanding the behavior of massive objects and the effects of gravity.

In the context of the Big Bang Theory, the Theory of Relativity helps to explain the expansion of the universe. The Big Bang Theory posits that the universe began as an extremely hot and dense singularity approximately 13.8 billion years ago and has been expanding ever since. Einstein's equations of General Relativity provide the mathematical foundation for describing the expansion of the universe and the evolution of spacetime.

Additionally, the Theory of Relativity predicts certain phenomena that have been observed and confirmed through astronomical observations, providing further evidence for the Big Bang Theory. For example, the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is considered a remnant of the early universe, is consistent with predictions based on the Theory of Relativity.

Overall, the Theory of Relativity and the Big Bang Theory are closely intertwined, with the former providing the theoretical framework for understanding the structure and dynamics of the universe, while the latter offers a comprehensive explanation for the origin and evolution of the cosmos.