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Citing a site like cosmos.com, you get the following explanation.

Because current instruments don't allow astronomers to peer back at the universe's birth, much of what we understand about the Big Bang Theory comes from mathematical theory and models. Astronomers can, however, see the "echo" of the expansion through a phenomenon known as the cosmic microwave background.

So although we aren't completely sure about the Big Bang, there IS evidence to support the theory:

  • First of all, it is fairly certain that the universe had 'a' beginning.
  • Second, galaxies appear to be moving away from us at speeds proportional to their distance. This is called "Hubble's Law," named after Edwin Hubble (1889-1953) who discovered this phenomenon in 1929. This observation supports the expansion of the universe and suggests that the universe was once compacted.
  • Third, if the universe was initially very, very hot as the Big Bang suggests, we should be able to find some remnant of this heat. In 1965, Radioastronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discovered a 2.725 degree Kelvin (-454.765 degree Fahrenheit, -270.425 degree Celsius) Cosmic Microwave Background radiation (CMB) which pervades the observable universe. This is thought to be the remnant which scientists were looking for. Penzias and Wilson shared in the 1978 Nobel Prize for Physics for their discovery.
  • Finally, the abundance of the "light elements" Hydrogen and Helium found in the observable universe are thought to support the Big Bang model of origins.
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What is the difference between laws and theories?

Laws describe observed phenomena and relationships in nature, while theories explain why those phenomena occur based on tested hypotheses and evidence. Laws are more descriptive and specific, while theories are broader and provide a framework for understanding natural phenomena.


Newton's observations about motion are examples of scientific?

theories. They are statements or, in this case, laws that explain the phenomenon of motion based on empirical evidence and mathematical formulations.


When can scientific theories be changed or replaced?

Scientific theories can be changed or replaced when there has been significant evidence for the change. The scientific method must be used to create a new hypothesis, which must then be proven.


This is a set of statements or ideas that explain a group of facts or phenomena?

This is a definition of a theory. It is a well-supported explanation based on evidence that helps us understand a set of observations or concepts. Scientists use theories to explain natural phenomena and make predictions about them.


What is the basis of scientific knowledge?

The basis of scientific knowledge is empirical evidence obtained through observation, experimentation, and testing. This evidence is used to formulate hypotheses, theories, and models that explain natural phenomena and can be revised or updated based on new evidence. Scientific knowledge is also built on the principles of objectivity, reproducibility, and falsifiability.

Related Questions

What do scientists call theories that explain all the evidence?

Scientists call theories that explain all the evidence and are widely accepted by the scientific community "well-established theories" or "well-supported theories." These theories are based on a large body of evidence and have withstood rigorous testing and scrutiny.


Why theories do not become laws?

Theories and laws serve different purposes in science. Theories are explanations that integrate and explain data from various observations, while laws are concise descriptions of a particular phenomenon. Theories are more comprehensive and can be modified or refined with new evidence, whereas laws are typically more general and do not change. Thus, theories are not elevated to laws but can support them.


Why don't theories become law?

Theories never become laws. Theories explain facts and scientific observations; laws describe the behavior of an object in nature. A scientific law explains what will happen, but it doesn't explain why. Theories explain why.


Can positive theories assist normative theories?

A positive theory is a theory that attempts to explain how the world is while a normative theory attempts to explain how the world should be. The theories are used together in different social science fields, including economics.


Why are theories considered to be the truth?

Theories are not considered the absolute truth, but rather plausible explanations based on evidence and observations. They are subject to revision or rejection with new evidence or better explanations. The strength of a theory lies in its ability to predict and explain natural phenomena consistently.


What are theories judged by?

Theories are judged by their ability to explain a phenomenon, make accurate predictions, and be supported by empirical evidence. They should also be internally consistent and able to withstand scrutiny and testing.


How are scientific theories and everyday theories similar?

Scientific theories and everyday theories both serve to explain and predict phenomena based on observations and experiences. They are both built on patterns and evidence, allowing individuals to make sense of the world around them. However, scientific theories are rigorously tested and peer-reviewed, while everyday theories may rely more on personal experience and anecdotal evidence. Despite this difference in rigor, both types of theories help people navigate and understand their environments.


Can scientific theories be rejected?

Yes, scientific theories can be rejected if new evidence emerges that contradicts them or if they are no longer able to explain observed phenomena. The process of science involves testing and refining theories based on experimental results and observations, and theories can be revised or replaced as our understanding of the natural world evolves.


What is one way in which theories and laws are similar?

Theories and laws in science both aim to explain natural phenomena based on evidence and observations. They both provide frameworks to understand and predict the behavior of the natural world.


What is a reason a theory cannot become a law?

A theory cannot become a law because they are different aspects of scientific understanding. Theories are comprehensive explanations that incorporate observations and evidence, while laws are concise statements that describe a specific relationship or pattern in nature. Laws do not explain why phenomena occur, which is the role of theories.


How do scientists explain why this happens?

Scientists explain phenomena by using observations, experiments, and theories to make sense of the underlying principles that govern how things work. They rely on the scientific method to systematically test hypotheses and draw conclusions based on evidence. Through this process, scientists can develop models and theories to explain why things happen in the natural world.


What is a person who studies events and the past?

A person who studies events and the past is called a historian. Historians analyze and interpret historical evidence to understand and explain past events, societies, and cultures.