AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
The Big Bang theory suggests that the universe began from a very small…
Full specification wording
Red-shift (physics only): The Big Bang theory suggests that the universe began from a very small region that was extremely hot and dense.
The Big Bang theory states that all of the matter and energy in the universe began in a very small region that was extremely hot and extremely dense, and that it has been expanding and cooling…
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 5 of 7
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Big Bang theory states that all of the matter and energy in the universe began in a very small region that was extremely hot and extremely dense, and that it has been expanding and cooling ever since. It is a model of how the universe developed, not of an explosion into space that was already there; space, and time with it, began then too. Observations of supernovae and red-shift provide evidence that space itself is expanding and supports the Big Bang theory.
For example: The further away a galaxy is, the faster it is moving away, which extrapolates back to a single hot, dense point.
What earns the marks
- Stating the universe began from a very small region.
- Stating that this region was extremely hot.
- Stating that this region was extremely dense.
- Explaining that the universe has been expanding from this point onwards.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Describing the Big Bang as an explosion of matter into empty space that already existed.
Put it right by stating space itself expands.
Saying that the Big Bang theory explains what caused the universe to begin.
Put it right by focusing on the development from a small region.
Leaving out either hot or dense from the description of the early universe.
Put it right by memorising both conditions.
Exam tips
- Learn the one line definition, because it is frequently a straight recall mark.
- Write began from a very small region rather than began from nothing.
Try the lesson
The start of the Red-shift (physics only): The Big Bang theory suggests that the universe began from a very small region that was extremely hot and dense. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A student is describing the Big Bang theory. Which of the following correctly identifies the properties of the region from which the universe began?
Listen
The Big Bang theory states that all of the matter and energy in the universe began in a very small region that was extremely hot and extremely dense, and that it has been expanding and cooling ever since. It is a model of how the universe developed, not of an explosion into space that was already there; space, and time with it, began then too. Observations of supernovae and red-shift provide evidence that space itself is expanding and supports the Big Bang theory. For example, the further away a galaxy is, the faster it is moving away, which extrapolates back to a single hot, dense point. A strong answer earns marks for these points. stating the universe began from a very small region. stating that this region was extremely hot. stating that this region was extremely dense. explaining that the universe has been expanding from this point onwards. A common slip: describing the Big Bang as an explosion of matter into empty space that already existed. Instead, stating space itself expands. Exam tip: Learn the one line definition, because it is frequently a straight recall mark.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Big Bang theory
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
hot dense beginning
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
expanding universe
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Big Bang theory
- Suggests that the universe began from a very small region that was extremely hot and dense.
- hot dense beginning
- The universe began from a very small region that was extremely hot and extremely dense.
- expanding universe
- Space itself is expanding, and observations of supernovae and red-shift provide evidence that supports the Big Bang theory.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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