What Occurred After 3 Minutes of the Big Bang?

Discover the events that transpired shortly after the Big Bang, including the formation of atomic nuclei.

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After 3 minutes of the Big Bang, the universe had cooled enough for protons and neutrons to combine and form the first atomic nuclei. This stage is known as nucleosynthesis, where hydrogen, helium, and small amounts of lithium were produced. However, it was still too hot for electrons to join the nuclei to form stable atoms. This period marked the end of the universe's rapid expansion and the beginning of an era dominated by radiation.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is nucleosynthesis? Nucleosynthesis is the process in which new atomic nuclei are formed, primarily occurring during the first minutes after the Big Bang.
  2. How did the universe cool after the Big Bang? The universe cooled as it expanded, allowing protons and neutrons to combine, leading to the formation of the first atomic nuclei.
  3. What elements were formed in the early universe? The early universe primarily formed hydrogen and helium, along with trace amounts of lithium during nucleosynthesis.
  4. What marked the beginning of the radiation-dominated era? The end of the rapid expansion of the universe and the cooling of matter marked the transition to a radiation-dominated era.

Watch More

For more insights into the early universe and cosmic events, check out our videos on the formation of galaxies and the life cycle of stars.

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