Why the expansion after the "Big Bang" is showed in cylindrical form?

In summary, the expansion after the "Big Bang" is shown in a diagram that ignores one of the three spatial dimensions. This is because the BB's motion actually occurs in all four dimensions of space-time. Adding a third dimension would add clarity to what the diagram is trying to portray.
  • #1
crakedhead
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Everywhere on the net, there is no image that the expansion has a departing point, through an expansion in spherical form... Why is that?
 
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  • #2
crakedhead said:
Everywhere on the net, there is no image that the expansion has a departing point, through an expansion in spherical form... Why is that?
We can't be expected to explain why random stuff on the Internet is the way it is.

If you want to learn the actual physics involved in cosmology, you should be looking at a textbook or peer-reviewed paper. Random pages on the Internet are not a valid basis for PF discussion in any case. You need to give a specific reference.
 
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  • #3
Let's take this as two separate questions:

1. Why the expansion after the "Big Bang" is showed in cylindrical form?

Presumably you're referring to diagrams such as this:
1671055986853.png

The reason the is represented like this is because the BB's motion actually occurs in all four dimensions of space-time, but we can't represent that in a static 2-dimensional diagram. So what we do is drop one of the three spatial dimensions - reducing the 3-D spherical observable universe to a 2-D disc. Now we can use that 3rd dimension to represent time. IN the diagram above, time flows from left to right, and this shows us how the expansion rate changed over time. The observable universe started off very small - much, much smaller than an atom - then expanded very rapidly in what is called the inflationary epoch to a macroscopic size. Then the inflation slowed to a more leisurely rate, as it is doing today. But that rate is slowly increasing and we expect it to continue to do so.

2. Everywhere on the net, there is no image that the expansion has a departing point, through an expansion in spherical form.

What do you suppose that would look like, and why do you think it would be more explanatory than a diagram that ignores one of the three spatial dimensions?

Consider this physics projectile motion diagram:
1671056549355.png


It renders only two physical axes (x and y), even though any real world soccer kick is in all three. Do you think adding a third dimension to the diagram would add clarity to what the diagram is trying to portray?
 
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1. What is the "Big Bang" and why is it important?

The "Big Bang" is a scientific theory that explains the origin and evolution of the universe. It states that the universe began as a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature, and has been expanding and cooling ever since. This theory is important because it provides a framework for understanding the formation of the universe and the laws of physics that govern it.

2. Why is the expansion after the "Big Bang" shown in cylindrical form?

The expansion of the universe after the "Big Bang" is shown in cylindrical form because it is a visual representation of the theory of cosmic inflation. This theory suggests that the universe expanded rapidly in all directions at an exponential rate, causing it to take on a cylindrical shape.

3. How is the cylindrical form of the expansion after the "Big Bang" measured?

The cylindrical form of the expansion after the "Big Bang" is measured through observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The CMB is a faint glow of radiation that permeates the entire universe and is a remnant of the intense heat of the early universe. By studying the patterns and fluctuations in the CMB, scientists can determine the shape and size of the universe and confirm the theory of cosmic inflation.

4. What is the significance of the cylindrical form in understanding the early universe?

The cylindrical form of the expansion after the "Big Bang" is significant because it provides evidence for the theory of cosmic inflation and helps us understand the early universe. It also allows scientists to make predictions about the structure and evolution of the universe, such as the distribution of matter and the formation of galaxies.

5. Are there any other theories besides the cylindrical form that explain the expansion after the "Big Bang"?

Yes, there are other theories that attempt to explain the expansion after the "Big Bang". One of these is the theory of cosmic strings, which suggests that the universe is expanding along thin, string-like structures. However, the cylindrical form is currently the most widely accepted and supported theory based on observations and evidence.

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