An inflationary scenario is a cosmological model proposing that the early universe underwent an exponential expansion in volume within a fraction of a second after the Big Bang. This rapid expansion helps explain the homogeneity, isotropy, and flatness observed in the current universe.
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The inflationary scenario was proposed by physicist Alan Guth in 1981.
It solves the horizon problem by explaining why regions of the universe far apart have similar temperatures.
The flatness problem is addressed as inflation drives the geometry of space towards flatness.
Inflation predicts that quantum fluctuations during this period led to large-scale structure formation in the universe.
Observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) provide strong evidence supporting inflationary models.
Review Questions
What problems in cosmology does the inflationary scenario address?
Who proposed the concept of cosmic inflation and when?
How does inflation explain the uniform temperature observed across distant regions of space?
Related terms
Horizon Problem: A cosmological issue where different regions of space are causally disconnected but still exhibit uniform temperatures and properties.
Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): The remnant radiation from the Big Bang, providing a snapshot of the early universe and evidence for various cosmological models.
Quantum Fluctuations: Temporary changes in energy levels occurring at very small scales due to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, significant during cosmic inflation.