which types of baryonic matter are most abundant in the universe? Select the two correct answers.
carbon
hydrogen
helium
nitrogen
oxygen
The two correct answers are hydrogen and helium.
The two types of baryonic matter that are most abundant in the universe are hydrogen and helium.
To determine the types of baryonic matter that are most abundant in the universe, we can look at the composition of the universe and the abundance of elements.
First, let's define what baryonic matter is. Baryonic matter refers to ordinary matter composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons, which are the building blocks of atoms.
Next, we can consider the composition of the universe. The most widely accepted understanding is that the vast majority of the observable universe is made up of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of other elements. This understanding is based on the analysis of the cosmic microwave background radiation, the abundance of elements in stars and galaxies, and the predictions of Big Bang nucleosynthesis.
Now, let's look at the given options and select the two correct answers:
1. Carbon: Carbon is not one of the most abundant elements in the universe. While carbon is essential for life on Earth and is present in stars and other astronomical objects, it is relatively less abundant compared to hydrogen and helium. Therefore, carbon is not one of the most abundant types of baryonic matter in the universe.
2. Hydrogen: Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. It accounts for about 75% of the elemental abundance in the universe. It is the primary element responsible for the formation of stars, galaxies, and other astronomical structures. Therefore, hydrogen is one of the most abundant types of baryonic matter in the universe.
3. Helium: Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, after hydrogen. It accounts for about 23% of the elemental abundance in the universe. It is produced in large quantities during the Big Bang and is also formed through nuclear fusion in stars. Therefore, helium is one of the most abundant types of baryonic matter in the universe.
4. Nitrogen: Nitrogen is not one of the most abundant elements in the universe. While nitrogen is crucial for life on Earth and is present in the atmospheres of some planets and moons, it is relatively less abundant compared to hydrogen and helium. Therefore, nitrogen is not one of the most abundant types of baryonic matter in the universe.
5. Oxygen: Oxygen is not one of the most abundant elements in the universe. Oxygen is important for life and is a significant component of the Earth's atmosphere, but it is relatively less abundant compared to hydrogen and helium. Therefore, oxygen is not one of the most abundant types of baryonic matter in the universe.
Based on the analysis, the two correct answers are hydrogen and helium.