NAME :________________________________________________ DATE:______________

YR. AND SECTION :____________________

EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE

I. ORIGIN AND STRUCTURE OF THE EARTH, EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE
A. THE ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE
OBJECTIVE. At the end of this lesson, you will be able to state the different hypotheses explaining the origin of the
universe specifically, the Big Bang Theory, the Steady State Theory, and the Oscillating Universe Theory.
ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How did the universe start?

LEARN ABOUT IT!

1. Big Bang Theory
The most accepted theory about the origin of the universe is the Big Bang Theory.  Georges Lemaître, a Belgian
priest, is considered as the first proponent of the Big Bang Theory. The theory was supported by other scientists such
as Edwin Hubble, Arno Penzias, and Robert Wilson who presented pieces of evidence to support it.
The Big Bang Theory states that the universe started as a “singularity”—an area predicted to be in the core of a
black hole with a very high temperature and density, which compressed matter with its intense gravitational pressure.
bSingularity. The presence of the singularity is still a mystery to many scientists, but they stated that this
singularity constantly expands and cools. The rate of expansion is almost equal to the rate of cooling; at this moment,
there is a build up of intense heat which leads to the increase in the expansion of the singularity.
The intense heat also leads to the creation of matter and antimatter that are being destroyed every time they
collide with each other. During this moment, the number of matter dominates over the number of antimatter. This
started the dominance of matter, or atomic particles, in the early universe. These particles undergo nucleosynthesis
wherein they combine to form another atomic particle.
Nucleosynthesis leads to the formation of chemicals such as hydrogen and helium. These chemicals then lead
to the formation of the stars and the galaxies. The presence of the stars leads to the formation of larger matter such
as planets, comets, and other celestial bodies. Ever since the Big Bang happened, the universe continuously
expands, and the occurrence of the cosmic background radiation was suggested to be an aftermath of the explosion
that happened 20 billion years ago.
2. Steady State Theory
The Steady State Theory proposed by Hermann Bondi, Thomas Gold, and Fred Hoyle, suggests that the
universe has always been there and will always be present. It also conveys that the universe always looks the same
in any time or space but continuously expands while simultaneously creating matter, maintaining the density of the
universe; hence, the name Steady State.
The Steady State Theory is so simple that it was widely accepted even before the proposal of the Big Bang
Theory. The discovery of the cosmic background radiation significantly supported the explanations given by the Big
Bang Theory, which led many scientists to reject the Steady State Theory. This theory first explained that the cosmic
background radiation is a result of a supernova. But after a thorough research, it was proven that it is equal in any
direction of the universe and could not only be a result of many supernovae.
3. Oscillating Universe Theory
The Oscillating Universe Theory, also referred to as the Pulsating Theory, discusses that the universe is
expanding and will contract once all the energy after the Big Bang is used up. This theory, proposed by  Richard Tolman,
can be described as the combination of the Big Bang and the Big Crunch.
The Big Crunch occurs when the universe expands and eventually reverses, then collapses causing a singularity or
the formation of another Big Bang. The Oscillating Universe Theory suggests that once the universe reverses and attains
the point of singularity, another universe will be born. This is referred to as the  Big Bounce. Tolman theorized that the
universe may be first in the cycle and could be a result of a previous Big Bounce event.
Just like in the Steady State Theory, scientists discovered many loopholes in the Oscillating Universe Theory because it
was said that for the universe to collapse, energy must be present. This theory suggests that the universe will collapse on
its own after it reaches its full expansion, which violates some laws of physics.

EXPLOREAside from the theories discussed in this lesson, what other theories can you suggest to explain the origin of
the universe? You may use the internet to search for other theories.
TRY IT!Choose one of the theories about the origin of the universe. Create a concept map illustrating the events that
happen in the universe as explained by that theory.
KEY POINTS
 Big Bang Theory states that the universe started as a singularity that exploded. This explosion resulted to the
formation of all the matter in universe.
 Steady State Theory discusses that the universe has always been there and will always be present.
 Oscillating Universe Theory discusses that the universe is expanding and will contract once all the energy after
the Big Bang is used up. The collapsing of the universe will then lead to the formation of a new universe.

ASSESSMEMENT
1. Which of the following theories suggests that the universe originated from a singularity that expanded continuously?
A. Big Bang Theory* B. Oscillating Universe Theory
 C. Pulsating Theory D. Steady State Theory
2. Which of the following describes the Big Crunch according to the Oscillating Universe Theory?
A. reversal of the universe’s expansion* C. formation of matter
B. continuous expansion of the universe D. formation of antimatter
3. Which of the following theories suggests that the universe will stay the same throughout time?
A. Steady State Theory* C. Pulsating Theory
B. Creationism Theory D. Big Bang Theory
4. Which of the following is true about the Oscillating Universe Theory?
A. The universe resulted from a series of Big Bang C. The universe will not change its density.
and Big Crunch.* D. The universe will not stop expanding.
B. The universe is always present and will not
change.
5. What happens during nucleosynthesis?
A. Atomic particles combine with other atomic C. Dark energy is produced.
particles.* D. Matter and antimatter combine with each other.
B. Matter and antimatter collide with each other.
6. Which of the following is true about cosmic background radiation?
A. the aftermath of an explosion caused by Big C. the radiation that caused the destruction of
Bang* planes
B. the radiation produced by stars D. the result of colliding of hydrogen particles with
helium
7. Which of the following is not true about the theories of the origin of the universe?
A. Big Bang Theory stated that the universe would not end.*
B. Oscillating Universe Theory combined the Big Bang and the Big Crunch.
C. Steady State Theory suggests that the universe’s expansion will not end.
D. Big Bang theory is the most accepted theory about the origin of the universe.
8. Which of the following statements are true about the Steady State Theory?
A. The universe is always present and will not C. The universe came from a singularity.
change.* D. The universe resulted from a series of Big Bang
B. The universe will not change its density.* and Big Crunch.
9. Arrange the following events to show the evolution of the universe as proposed by the Big Bang Theory.
I. singularity IV. nucleosynthesis VI. formation of planets, comets,
II. explosion of the singularity V. formation of stars and and asteroid
III. formation of atomic particles galaxies
Correct Order:__________________________
10. Why is the Big Bang Theory the most accepted theory about the origin of the universe?
A. Evidence found is aligned with the explanations of the Big Bang Theory.*
B. Its counterparts failed to explain origin of the universe.
C. Other theories suggested that the universe has no start and no end.
D. Big Bang Theory is aligned with the teachings of some religion.
 THE ORIGIN OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
OBJECTIVE. At the end of the lesson, you will be able to describe the different hypotheses explaining the origin of the
Solar System, specifically the Nebular Theory, the Encounter Theory, and the Protoplanet Theory.
The solar system is composed of the Sun, the planets and their satellites, the comets, and the asteroids.
It is believed that the solar system has been formed around 4.6 billion years ago, and the evidence suggests that
the members of the solar system have a fairly uniform age.
LEARN ABOUT IT!
NEBULAR THEORY
The nebular theory explains that the solar system originated from a nebula – a gas cloud made up of
hydrogen particles. Before the nebula is stable, it is believed that a nearby supernova resulted in the disruption of
a nebula. This disruption created areas of high density, and as these areas were formed, gravity acted, pulling
other materials to it. The denser the nebula became, the more heat it produced that resulted in the formation of
the Sun.
first, the Sun looked like a disc (imagine a CD), and as it rotates, most of its mass fused in the center. As
the Sun forms, the remaining particles that were not sucked up by the Sun formed as rings. These rings of
particles rotated and combined to form planets. As it forms, the denser materials, such as iron and nickel, sank
and the less dense materials, such as gases, floated to the atmosphere of the formed planets.
Terrestrial and Jovian Planets
Terrestrial planets, including Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, were formed because only the materials
with higher densities and melting points were able to form near the very high temperature of the Sun. On the other
hand, the Jovian planets composed of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are huge planets made up of
gases without land surfaces. These planets were formed farther from the Sun because the temperature away
from the Sun was cool enough for gases to condense, forming these less dense planets.
The origins of the Nebula Theory can be credited to Emmanuel Swedenborg, Immanuel Kant,
and Pierre – Simon Laplace.
ENCOUNTER THEORY
The Encounter Theory proposed by Georges Leclerc and Comte de Buffon explains that the solar
system formed as a result of a near collision between a passing star and the Sun. As the star passes near the
Sun, the materials of both the Sun and the star were drawn out. The interaction from the gravity of the passing
star and the Sun led to the formation of the planets in the solar system.
It is believed that the materials from the Sun are denser. This explains the positions of the terrestrial planets near the Sun.
In contrast, the materials from the passing star are less dense; thus, explaining the positions of the Jovian planets at a
distance from the Sun.
PROTOPLANET THEORY
The Protoplanet Theory is a modified version of the nebular hypothesis. Just like the nebular theory,
protoplanetary theorists Carl von Weizsäcker and Gerard Kuiper believed that the solar system started from a
nebula.
An unidentified instability resulted in the pulling of dust particles toward each other. This led to the
formation of the “planetesimals” – objects made up of dust and rock particles, which is believed to be the origin of
planets. Planetesimals combined with other planetesimals and formed protoplanets – larger planetesimals. As
the protoplanets formed, like the Sun, they became larger as other materials condensed with them until the fusion
of hydrogen and helium happened. This fusion led to the production of the heat of the Sun and resulted to the
blasting off of the protoplanets made up of gases. The smaller protoplanets were attracted by the gravity of the
larger protoplanets and made them larger until they became the planets as we know it.

TRY IT!. Based on the theories about the origin of the solar system, compare the events that happened in its formation.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? After learning about the theories explaining the origin of the solar system, what theory do you
believe the most? Explain your answer.
KEY POINTS
 The Nebular Theory explained that the Solar System originated from a nebula that was disrupted by a nearby
supernova.
 The Encounter Theory suggests that the Solar System formed as a result of a near collision between a passing star
and the Sun.
 The Protoplanet Theory is a modified version of the nebular hypothesis stating that the Solar System started from a
nebula that was disrupted which led to the formation of protoplanets.
ASESSMENT
1. Which of the following theories suggests that the solar system formed after a star passed near the Sun?
A. Encounter B. Protoplanet C. Steady State D. Nebular Theory
Theory* Theory Theory
2. Who among the following theorists suggested the Protoplanet Theory?
A. Gerard Kuiper* C. Georges Leclerc
B. Pierre–Simon Laplace D. Comte de Buffon
3. According to the Nebular Theory, which of the following comprises the nebula?
A. hydrogen particles* B. iron particles C. nickel particles D. carbon particles
4. Which of the following is not a member of our solar system?
 A. Polaris* B. asteroids C. Sun D. Pluto
5. Which of the following is true about the Nebular Theory?
A. The solar system originated from a gas cloud.* C. The Earth was formed as a result of a comet
B. The planets are formed from particles of a near colliding with the Sun.
star. D. The nebula is formed from water particles.
6. As proposed by the Encounter Theory, which of the following events led to the formation of the solar system?
A. a near collision between the Sun and a passing C. nucleosynthesis of hydrogen and helium
star* particles
B. an explosion of a singularity D. formation of protoplanets
7. As proposed by the Nebular Theory, which of the following events led to the disruption of the nebula?
A. supernova near the nebula* C. explosion of an atomic bomb
B. production of solar energy D. formation of protoplanets
8. Arrange the following events to show the formation of the solar system as proposed by the Protoplanet Theory.
I. presence of the nebula III. formation of planetesimals
II. supernova near the nebula IV. formation of protoplanets
Correct Order:_____________________________
9. Which of the following statements explains the placement of the Jovian planets in the outer solar system?
A. The temperature away from the Sun was cool enough for gases to condense.*
B. Asteroid Belt blocked the Jovian planets in getting near the Sun.
C. The gravity of the Jupiter kept the other Jovian planets away from the Sun.
D. There is no explanation available for the formation of the Jovian planets.
10. Which of the following are true about the Encounter Theory?
A. It stated that the solar system originated from a near collision between a passing star and the Sun.*
B. Georges Leclerc and Comte de Buffon are some of its proponents.*
C. It is proposed by Gerard Kuiper.
D. It proposed that the solar system originated from a cloud of hydrogen particles.