Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

Formation of elements in the Big BangBeginning point of time and space for the universe. A state of extremely high (classically, infinite) density and temperature from which the universe began expanding.. Calculated abundances of these isotopes (D (deuteriumAlso called heavy hydrogen, deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen (D, or H) whose nucleus contains one proton and one neutron. As a trace element formed during the nucleosynthesis epoch of the Big Bang, deuterium is an important indicator of the baryon density in the universe. The larger the density, the = 2H), 3H, 3He, 4He, 6Li, 7Li, and 7Be) and of protons (1H) and neutrons (n) vs. time are shown in the diagram. Note that the mass fraction scale is logarithmic and very little Li and Be were formed. All heavier elements were formed in stars.

Using the observed abundances of early formed elements and isotopes, it is possible to estimate the overall densityMass of an object divided by its volume. Density is a characteristic property of a substance (rock vs. ice, e.g.). Some substances (like gases) are easily compressible and have different densities depending on how much pressure is exerted upon them. The Sun is composed of compressible gases and is much of the universeThat which contains and subsumes all the laws of nature, and everything subject to those laws; the sum of all that exists physically, including matter, energy, physical laws, space, and time. Also, a cosmological model of the universe. The boxes and arrows show the observed values for the isotopes indicated; the cyan band is the best estimate of baryon density using these data.