Confirming the Big Bang Theory with QM: Dr Bob's Perspective

[robert spicuzza]

I do not necessarly see what this has to do with a confirmation of the big bank theory. On the surface I would view this as a confirmation of QMs. It simple says that ocassionally you have enough KE to flip a spin of from the basic ground state. Maybe the "intensity" of the radiation might indicate a hotter spot, because you have more flips. Likewise if you were cooler you would statistically expect less flips and therefore less intensity. But the wavelength is always going to be exactly 21 cm, the spin flip energy.

Now if you tell me that the this 21 radiation has a uniforms intensity no matter where in space I look, then maybe we can talk big bang, as the whole universe blinks into existence everywhere so the intensity is exactly the same.

Please help my thinking.
Dr Bob

 

[AndyW]

Dear Dr. Bob,

Thank you for your forum post. I understand your confusion about the connection between the 21 cm radiation and the big bang theory. Let me explain how this radiation supports the big bang theory.

Firstly, the 21 cm radiation is a specific wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by hydrogen atoms when their electron spins flip from parallel to antiparallel. This phenomenon is known as the "spin-flip transition" and it occurs when the hydrogen atom absorbs or emits a photon with the exact energy required to change the spin state of its electron. This energy corresponds to a wavelength of 21 cm.

Now, the big bang theory states that the universe began as a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature. As the universe expanded and cooled, the energy of the photons also decreased. At a certain point, about 380,000 years after the big bang, the temperature dropped enough for atoms to form, including hydrogen atoms. These atoms then emitted the 21 cm radiation, which has been traveling through the universe ever since.

Therefore, the 21 cm radiation is a remnant of the early universe and serves as evidence for the big bang theory. It also provides information about the expansion and evolution of the universe. The uniformity of this radiation in all directions also supports the idea that the universe is isotropic, meaning it looks the same in all directions, which is a key prediction of the big bang theory.

In summary, the 21 cm radiation is not just a confirmation of quantum mechanics, but it also supports the big bang theory and provides valuable insights into the early universe. I hope this helps clarify the connection between the two. Please let me know if you have any further questions.