What was The Steady State Theory?

Question

Options:
A=a good theory because it made predictions that could be tested.
B=ruled out because of the existence of Cepheid variable stars.
C=instrumental in predicting the existence of quasars.
D=a bad theory because it was wrong.
E=a good theory because it required a cosmological constant.

Answer 1

I think the trap in this question is thinking that good = right. Karl Popper said something to the effect that in order for something to be a good theory there has to be a test that could prove it's wrong. We gather information, put a theory together and then make predictions. If the predictions are wrong so is the theory. If the predictions are right then we didn't prove the theory was wrong. To paraphrase John T, we replace theories we know are wrong with theories we don't know are wrong, but we try to disprove them. A bad theory is one you can't prove is wrong, so I'd go with A.

Answer 2

The steady state theory stated that there is no Big Bang. The universe is expanding and hydrogen comes out of nowhere.

There are a few steady-staters out there, but the cosmic background radiation is inexplicable in Steady State, but is part of Big Bang.

I really don't like any of your catagories. The closest is D, because it doesn't fit observed evidence. Remember, we don't replace a theory that is wrong with a theory that is right. We replace a theory that is wrong with a theory that is more subtly worng.

Answer 3

F= What is the Steady State Theory

Answer 4

A, I think. A good theory that made predictions that were proved incorrect by observations.

Answer 5

"D" it was wrong but I hesitate to call it bad.
It required an infinite space which is a very unlikely scenario.
I thought it was really neat 60 years ago,but in light of subsequent technology I know it does not work!

Answer 6

extremely tough aspect. try searching at bing and yahoo. just that could actually help!