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Chapter 3: Problem 40

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) 2 billion years less than the age of the universe.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The correct answer is option (a).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Problem

We need to determine which statement accurately describes the age of our solar system relative to the age of the universe. We have three options to consider.
02

Analyzing Option (a)

Option (a) suggests that the age of the solar system is one-third of the age of the universe. Since the universe is about 13.8 billion years old and the solar system is about 4.6 billion years old, check whether 4.6 is approximately one-third of 13.8. Calculation: \[ \frac{1}{3} \times 13.8 \approx 4.6 \]Hence, Option (a) seems correct.
03

Analyzing Option (b)

Option (b) suggests that the age of the solar system is three-fourths of the age of the universe. Check if 4.6 is approximately three-fourths of 13.8.Calculation:\[ \frac{3}{4} \times 13.8 = 10.35 \]Since 10.35 is not approximately equal to 4.6, Option (b) is incorrect.
04

Analyzing Option (c)

Option (c) states the solar system is 2 billion years less than the age of the universe. Check if 13.8 - 2 equals 4.6.Calculation:\[ 13.8 - 2 = 11.8 \]Since 11.8 is not equal to 4.6, Option (c) is incorrect.
05

Conclusion

Based on our calculations, Option (a) is the only correct statement that represents the age of the solar system as approximately one-third of the age of the universe.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Solar System Age
Our Solar System is a captivating celestial neighborhood. Scientists estimate it to be around 4.6 billion years old. This age is determined by studying the oldest meteorites and using radioactive dating techniques. Such dating involves analyzing isotopes and their decay rates, revealing how long these rocks have existed.
Understanding the age of the Solar System is crucial for piecing together cosmic history. By knowing its age, we can explore how planets, moons, and other celestial bodies formed and evolved.
It also helps astronomers cross-reference the formation of our Solar System with others in the universe. This knowledge contributes to uncovering the mysteries of our existence and the dynamics of the universe.
Universe Age
The universe has been around for approximately 13.8 billion years. This age is not just a random guess鈥攕cientists determine it through meticulous observations. One pivotal method is examining the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, which is the leftover heat from the Big Bang.
The expansion rate of the universe, described by the Hubble constant, is another critical element in understanding the universe's age. By observing the speeds at which galaxies move apart, astronomers can rewind cosmic history to estimate its birth time.
Understanding the universe's age offers insights into its evolution, from the Big Bang to the formation of galaxies, stars, and eventually, systems like our Solar System. It is crucial for contextualizing where we come from and where we're headed in this vast cosmos.
Cosmology
Cosmology is the branch of astronomy that delves into the universe's origins, structure, evolution, and eventual fate. It's like being a detective, piecing together the story of everything around us. Scientists in this field explore fundamental questions about the cosmos.
Key concepts in cosmology include:
  • The Big Bang Theory, which suggests the universe started from an incredibly hot and dense single point.
  • Dark matter and dark energy, mysterious components that make up most of the universe.
  • The expansion of the universe, a discovery credited to observing distant galaxies speeding away from us.
By studying these elements, cosmology helps us understand not only the physical makeup of the universe but also the laws governing it. It's an exhilarating field that keeps evolving as new observations and technologies emerge, continually reshaping our understanding of the universe.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

When we say the universe is expanding, we mean that (a) everything in the universe is growing in size; (b) the average distance between galaxies is growing with time; (c) the universe is getting older.

Oort Cloud Impact. Most of our solar system's comets appear to be "tucked safely away" in the distant Oort cloud, where they are highly unlikely to ever come in and hit Earth. However, we also learned that they are thought to have ended up so far away largely through the action of Jupiter. Suppose that Jupiter did not exist, and these trillion comets were located much nearer to the Sun. How would you expect the impact rate to have been different? Explain. (Note: We'll discuss the possible importance of this impact rate difference in Chapter \(11 .\)

Atomic Terminology Practice. a. The most common form of iron has 26 protons and 30 neutrons in its nucleus. State its atomic number, atomic mass number, and number of electrons if it is electrically neutral. b. Consider the following three atoms: Atom 1 has seven protons and eight neutrons; atom 2 has eight protons and seven neutrons; atom 3 has eight protons and eight neutrons. Which two are isotopes of the same element? c. Consider fluorine atoms with nine protons and ten neutrons. What are the atomic number and atomic mass number of this fluorine? Suppose we could add a proton to this fluorine nucleus. Would the result still be fluorine? Explain. What if we added a neutron to the fluorine nucleus? d. The most common isotope of uranium is \(^{238} \mathrm{U}\), but the form used in nuclear bombs and nuclear power plants is \(^{235} \mathrm{U}\) Given that uranium has atomic number \(92,\) how many neutrons are in each of these two isotopes of uranium?

Your Microwave Oven. A microwave oven emits microwaves that have just the right wavelength needed to cause energy level changes in water molecules. Use this fact to explain how a microwave oven cooks your food. Why doesn't a microwave oven make a plastic dish get hot? Why do some clay dishes get hot in the microwave? Why do dishes that aren't themselves heated by the microwave oven sometimes still get hot when you heat food on them?

What do we mean when we say that the universe appears to be "fine-tuned" for life? Briefly describe the possible implications of this idea.
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