What is the evidence for the Big Bang theory?

Absorption spectra from distant galaxies consist of bands of coloured light crossed with black lines. The wavelengths of these black lines are shifted towards the red end of the spectrum when compared with light from similar sources in the laboratory. The black lines from more distant galaxies are therefore more "red-shifted", and this is due to the expansion of space itself. This evidence suggests that the Universe began its existence at a single point and has expanded outwards ever since.
Cosmic microwave background radiation, or "CMBR", on the other hand initially existed as very small wavelength radiation, such as gamma radiation, but an expanding Universe has caused the wavelength to increase into the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

AM
Answered by Aled M. Physics tutor

5464 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the structure of atoms


What is red shift?


How high can you raise a kilogram of sugar with 1 kWh of electrical energy? (To 2 s.f in kilometres)


Describe what happens to a star, after the main sequence period, for the star to eventually become a black dwarf. (5 Marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning