(From a Science Quiz That Appeared in the Weekly Magazine

question 38

Multiple Choice

(From a science quiz that appeared in the weekly magazine The Economist.) Economic history is easier to write than the history of the universe. Nevertheless, most cosmologists now think that when the universe was formed,

• A) first there was a Big Bang and then inflation (of space) which caused recession (of all matter, away from the Big Bang).
• B) first there was inflation, which caused the Big Bang, then recession.
• C) first there was a Big Bang. There has not been any inflation yet, but if it comes it will cause recession.

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Definitions:

Retirement Funds

Financial assets set aside to support individuals financially when they cease working, typically in the form of pensions or savings plans.

Compounded Monthly

Interest computation method where interest gains are calculated on a monthly basis, with each month's interest added to the principal for future calculations.

Prize

A reward given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition.

Payments

The transfer of money or goods from one person or entity to another, often in exchange for services or products.