How does the energy of the cosmic microwave background compare to the energy radiated byall the stars and galaxies that ever existed?
A)They are very close to being equal.
B)73% cosmic background, 27% starlight.
C)About ten times more from the Big Bang than from stars and galaxies.
D)The starlight now dominates the background, as your eyes show clearly.
E)We have no way of comparing matter and energy this way.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cosmic microwave background radiation is believed to be the remnants of the Big Bang, which occurred approximately 13.8 billion years ago. This event was responsible for the creation of all matter and radiation in the universe. The energy of the cosmic microwave background is estimated to be about ten times greater than that radiated by all the stars and galaxies that have ever existed. Therefore, C is the correct answer. The cosmic microwave background is the remnant radiation from the Big Bang, and is estimated to have an energy density of around 0.26 eV per cubic centimeter. In contrast, the total energy radiated by all the stars and galaxies that ever existed is estimated to be around 4 x 10^84 joules, or about ten times less than the estimated energy of the cosmic microwave background. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

How Does the Energy of the Cosmic Microwave Background Compare