Question

1. how does the composition of the universe support the big bang theory?

when the universe formed, it was composed of stars, planets, and other celestial objects. though the universe is evolving, these components are still present.
over time, the elements that make up the universe have evolved and have therefore created new elements that did not exist when the universe formed
the elements helium and hydrogen are almost nonexistent in the current universe. the fact that the universe is evolving suggests that these elements might change into different elements over time
the elements helium and hydrogen remain prevalent in the universe. these same elements were formed minutes after the big bang.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option based on the Big Bang theory:

• The first option is incorrect because the early universe after the Big Bang was not composed of stars and planets initially; these formed later.
• The second option is incorrect as the Big Bang theory states that the lightest elements (hydrogen, helium) were formed first, and heavier elements formed later in stars, but the idea of "elements evolving to create new ones not present initially" misrepresents the theory.
• The third option is incorrect because hydrogen and helium are actually the most abundant elements in the universe, not almost nonexistent.
• The fourth option is correct. The Big Bang theory predicts that hydrogen and helium were formed in the early universe (minutes after the Big Bang), and these elements remain prevalent today, which supports the theory.

Answer:

D. The elements helium and hydrogen remain prevalent in the universe. These same elements were formed minutes after the big bang.