Before the Big Bang?

Question

Hello,

Astronomors and scientists often refer to the Big Bang theory when they attempt to explain the creation of the universe. Generally, all matter was in "one tiny place," and then the matter was blown outward in an incredible explosion to create the universe.

My question is this: Describe the matter before the Big Bang occurred. In other words, of what substances did that matter consist? How did all of that matter end-up in "one tiny place" before the Big Bang occurred?

Thank you.

Sincerely,
D

I know that "before the Big Bang" can only be theorized. I'd love to hear those theories. Also, please include the published source of your answer, if applicable. Thank you.

Some of you mentioned "before time there was nothing" or similar. However, I don't believe that comment has bearing on my question. The matter EXISTED before being blown outward in the Big Bang. Thank you.

Answer 1

We are not sure what the Universe was like before the big bang theory because the laws of physics break down at the big bang theory. This occurs because there is so much matter crammed into such a tiny space at the big bang that one must use both Quantum Mechanics, which requires a "rough" description of space, and Relativity, which requires a "smooth" description of space. Because the descriptions of space for each are mutually exclusive, the laws of physics (as we currently know them) break down and one gets stuck in a quagmire of infinities. Physicists are currently working to create a "Theory of Everything" that may eventually allow us to answer questions about what happened before the Big Bang.

Also, it is highly likely that there was no matter before the big bang. All the matter in the universe could simply be a huge statistical anomaly allowed by Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle (there isn't enough room to describe it here). Its a weird, yet possible, idea.

For those of you who doubt the truthfulness of Big Bang theory, I exhort you to do more research and remember that Creationism and the Big Bang (unlike Quantum Mechanics and Relativity) ARN'T mutually exclusive! God could have caused the Big Bang to occur! As you continue to learn about the Big Bang theory, please keep an open mind.

Answer 2

Okay, get ready to get wierded out, because I have some strange ideas about the creation/evolution of the universe.

I believe that the idea that all things have to have a beginning and an end is finite and mortal human thinking. I believe that the universe always was, and always will be.

There are many theories out there that suggest that the universe is pulling itself apart, and more theories suggesting that it may one day collapse in on itself. So, here's what I think:

The univese expands and spins, continues to do so at an astonomical rate. As it expands, it pulls itself apart. But there is always that gravitational force that pull things together; and, like the "black holes" that continue to form from collapsing stars, the matter there creating such an intense gravitational field that not even light can escape. These black holes will continue to form throughout our universe, slowly pulling themselves and all matter towards each other, until eventually we'll all just be one black hole, and when the pressure gets too much ....

It explodes....

We have another big bang...

The universe "recreates' itself, spinning outwards at astronomical rates....

And the whole process starts over again.

But, that's just my silly little opinion.

Answer 3

i KNOW it sounds reasonable, but your question really isn't.

what came before the beginning? is what you ask about "American Idol", in answer I say "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?" because that was what was on before the beginiing of 'Idol'...

but the Universe isnt a show on ABC.

as S Hawking has said repeatedly, 'what was before the beginning is like asking what is north of the north pole'

sometimes it just isnt easy to explain in words. its kinda like zero and infinity. they are concepts in math and words in english and people sometimes think that when they understand the english, they understand the math too automatically. So, concepts like 'Infinity + 1 = Infinity' are pretty tough in english, but not too bad in math.

you say 'one tiny place'... you mean a 'singularity', this is a 'tiny place' that exists without dimensions... and if the whole of our Universe exists without dimensions then this has a tremendous effect on Time and Space.

As to the whole, 'where did it come from?' I wonder... WHY is there a 'where'? Is it because you are hiding a 'WHO' somewhere ?

If you want to believe some benevolent (when He feels like it) old dude is running the Universe, go ahead. Just don't bother trying to mix religion with science. Neither benefits.

Answer 4

I am not a physicist of any sort, but I pretend to be a biologist in college. Mostly, what I believe though is that God created all matter. I've heard that "Universe" actually means one spoken sentence in Greek or Latin I'm not sure which, but in Genesis it says that God spoke matter into existence. I picture this as being explosive from one central point outwards, so much so that the "Universe" is still expanding today.

Answer 5

There wasn't a 'before' before time began, any more than there was a 'where' before space began, or a 'what' before matter began. Since all three came into being with the Big Bang, the question is unanswerable!

At least according to one theory.

Don't expect any easy answers!

Answer 6

One theory thinks that before the "big bang" there was only energy (ant-matter). No matter and time existed.

Answer 7

Well, it was all packed into one tiny space because everything was pulling on eachother. The there was a big bang, the universe expanded, etc. etc. Did I help at all?

Answer 8

Your question will probably never be answered in our current life-time...I too want an understandable answer to this question... ..and now i just wonder what the answer would be!
and leave it that!

Answer 9

There was another question created on this and I have posted my thoughts there:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Akq_eNp28TsZXnPjrWi83CABxgt.;_ylv=3?qid=20071111094935AAEcTJy

It's a very interesting question to say the least.

Answer 10

I wish I could answer this question, but I've always wondered the same thing.