(From a science quiz that appeared in the weekly magazine The Economist.) Economic history is easier to write than the history of the universe. Nevertheless, most cosmologists now think that when the universe was formed,
A) first there was a Big Bang and then inflation (of space) which caused recession (of all matter, away from the Big Bang).
B) first there was inflation, which caused the Big Bang, then recession.
C) first there was a Big Bang. There has not been any inflation yet, but if it comes it will cause recession.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most widely accepted theory among cosmologists is that the universe started with a Big Bang, followed by a period of inflation where space expanded rapidly, causing all matter to recede away from the Big Bang. This theory is supported by observations such as the cosmic microwave background radiation and the large-scale structure of the universe. Option B is not supported by observations and is less widely accepted, while option C is not a valid explanation according to current theories.

(From a Science Quiz That Appeared in the Weekly Magazine