primordial nucleosynthesis

Primordial nucleosynthesis refers to the formation of new atomic nuclei in the early universe, roughly within the first few minutes after the Big Bang. During this time, the universe was extremely hot and dense, allowing protons and neutrons to collide and fuse into the first light elements, mainly hydrogen, helium, and small amounts of lithium. This process set the initial chemical makeup of the universe, influencing the formation of stars and galaxies. It’s a fundamental step in understanding how the universe evolved from a primordial state to the complex cosmos we observe today.