What is the Difference Between Big Bang Theory and Steady State Theory?

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The Big Bang Theory and the Steady State Theory are two different models that attempt to explain the origin and evolution of the universe. Here are the key differences between the two theories:

  1. Beginning of the Universe: The Big Bang Theory suggests that the universe had a beginning, while the Steady State Theory proposes that the universe has no beginning and no end.
  2. Expansion and Matter Creation: The Big Bang Theory states that the universe started from a single point and has been expanding ever since, with galaxies moving away from each other. In contrast, the Steady State Theory suggests that although the universe is expanding, matter is constantly being created at a constant rate, maintaining a perfect cosmological principle.
  3. Isotropy and Homogeneity: The Steady State Theory claims that the universe is isotropic and homogeneous in both space and time. On the other hand, the Big Bang Theory suggests that the universe is isotropic and homogeneous in space but not in time.
  4. Conservation of Matter: In the Big Bang Theory, the total amount of matter and energy remains the same, while in the Steady State Theory, new matter is continuously created.
  5. Observational Evidence: Many observations, such as the expansion of the universe and the cosmic background radiation, support the Big Bang Theory. However, almost no observations agree with the Steady State Theory.

In summary, the Big Bang Theory and the Steady State Theory differ in their explanations for the beginning of the universe, the creation of matter, the expansion of the universe, and the conservation of matter. The Big Bang Theory has gained more support from observational evidence, while the Steady State Theory has fallen out of favor in the scientific community.

Comparative Table: Big Bang Theory vs Steady State Theory

Here is a table comparing the differences between the Big Bang Theory and the Steady State Theory:

Feature Big Bang Theory Steady State Theory
Beginning The theory suggests there is a beginning to the universe. The theory suggests there is no beginning and no end to the universe.
Observations Many observations agree with the Big Bang Theory, such as the expansion of the universe and cosmic background radiation. Almost none of the observations agree with the Steady State Theory.
Isotropy and Homogeneity The universe is isotropic and homogeneous in space but not in time. The universe is is isotropic and homogeneous in both space and time.
Matter Conservation Matter in the universe is conserved. Mass is produced to keep the perfect cosmological principle.

The Big Bang Theory, proposed by Georges Lemaître in 1927, suggests that the universe started from a single point and has been expanding since then. On the other hand, the Steady State Theory, proposed by Fred Hoyle, Herman Bondi, and Thomas Gold in 1948, suggests that the universe has no beginning and no end and has always existed in a constant state, with new matter continuously being created to maintain its constant density. Observational evidence, such as the expansion of the universe and cosmic background radiation, supports the Big Bang Theory, while the Steady State Theory has not found significant observational support.