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The scientific study of the origin, structure and evolution of the universe as a whole is known as:
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Answer: Option C — Cosmology
Detailed Solution
Cosmology is the branch of science that studies the universe as a whole, including its origin, structure, large-scale features, evolution and ultimate fate.
Meaning of the word:
- "Cosmology" comes from the Greek words "kosmos" (the world, the universe or order) and "logia" (study).
- A scientist who studies cosmology is called a cosmologist.
Questions cosmology tries to answer:
- How did the universe begin?
- How old is the universe, and how large is it?
- How did galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe form?
- What is the universe made of?
- What will happen to the universe in the far future?
Important ideas in modern cosmology:
- The universe began in a hot, dense state about 13.8 billion years ago and has been expanding since.
- The expansion of the universe is accelerating, as discovered in 1998 from studies of distant supernovae.
Ordinary matter (atoms) makes up only about 5 percent of the universe. About 27 percent is dark matter, which does not emit light but has gravity, and about 68 percent is dark energy, which drives the accelerating expansion.
The cosmic microwave background radiation provides a "baby picture" of the universe.
Tools of cosmology:
- Large telescopes on the ground and in space, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope.
- Satellites that map the background radiation, such as COBE, WMAP and Planck.
- Einstein's general theory of relativity (1915), which describes gravity and forms the mathematical basis of modern cosmology.
Related sciences:
- Astronomy: the study of all celestial objects and phenomena.
- Astrophysics: the application of physics to understand stars, galaxies and other celestial objects.
- Cosmogony: the study of the origin of specific systems, especially the solar system.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Cosmetology is the study of beauty treatments.
- ✗Astrology is a belief system that links the positions of celestial bodies with human affairs; it is not a science.
- ✗Seismology is the study of earthquakes and seismic waves.
Quick tip
Remember: Cosmology = study of the universe as a whole; cosmogony = study of the origin of systems such as the solar system.
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Universe & Solar System — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Universe & Solar System, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers the universe, galaxies and stars, the solar system and its planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets and meteors, and the Earth's motions, including rotation, revolution, seasons, latitudes, longitudes and time zones. Common questions ask about the largest and smallest planets (Jupiter and Mercury), the hottest planet (Venus), the 'Red Planet' (Mars), and planets with the most moons. Other frequent questions cover solstices and equinoxes, the International Date Line, and Indian Standard Time, which is based on the 82.5 degree E meridian. Practise the universe and solar system questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.