MICROWAVE BACKGROUND Meaning and
Definition
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Microwave background refers to the faint and uniform radiation that fills the entire universe. It is a relic from the early stages of the universe, specifically the period known as the "Big Bang." This cosmic microwave background (CMB) is predominantly composed of photons, or particles of light, that have been traveling through space since their initial emission over 13 billion years ago.
The microwave background is a consequence of the universe's expansion and cooling process. In the early universe, when it was extremely hot and dense, photons were continuously interacting with charged particles, preventing them from traveling freely. However, as the universe expanded and cooled, these interactions decreased, allowing the photons to move more freely and travel uninterrupted.
Due to the vast amount of time that has elapsed since their emission, the cosmic microwave background has undergone significant redshifting, stretching its original high-energy photons to lower energy microwave wavelengths. Today, this background radiation has cooled to an average temperature of around 2.7 Kelvin (-270.45 degrees Celsius or -454.81 degrees Fahrenheit), making it appear as microwave radiation.
The discovery of the cosmic microwave background in 1965 provided strong evidence in support of the Big Bang theory. Its precise measurement has provided valuable insights into the composition, age, and structure of the universe, confirming key aspects of cosmological models. Additionally, analyzing the fluctuations in the microwave background has allowed scientists to study the distribution of matter and energy in the early universe, shedding light on the formation of galaxies and large-scale structures we observe today.
Common Misspellings for MICROWAVE BACKGROUND
- nicrowave background
- kicrowave background
- jicrowave background
- mucrowave background
- mjcrowave background
- mkcrowave background
- mocrowave background
- m9crowave background
- m8crowave background
- mixrowave background
- mivrowave background
- mifrowave background
- midrowave background
- miceowave background
- micdowave background
- micfowave background
- mictowave background
- mic5owave background
- mic4owave background
- micriwave background
Etymology of MICROWAVE BACKGROUND
The term "microwave background" can be divided into two parts: "microwave" and "background".
The word "microwave" refers to a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about one millimeter to one meter. It is named as such because these wavelengths fall between those of infrared radiation and radio waves, and are often used in various applications like communication, cooking, and scientific research.
The word "background" refers to something that is present or existing in the surroundings or background of a particular area or situation. In the context of the "microwave background", it refers to the radiation that is uniformly present throughout the universe.
The specific etymology of "microwave background" can be traced back to the discovery of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation.
