Earth In The Universe
This Summative Assessment will evaluate the concepts and ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS studied in Unit 1 of Earth Science.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Precession is the 26,000 year shift of the Earth's Axis from the North Star to Antares.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Precession is the gradual change in the orientation of Earth's axis of rotation, which takes about 26,000 years to complete a full cycle. It causes the position of the North Celestial Pole to shift over time, but it does not shift from the North Star to Antares specifically. Therefore, the statement that precession is the 26,000 year shift of the Earth's axis from the North Star to Antares is false.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The center of gravity between two objects (Barycenter) can occur with which of the following? Check all that apply.
- A.
The Sun and the Earth
- B.
The Earth and the Moon
- C.
The Sun and Jupiter
Correct Answer(s)
A. The Sun and the Earth
B. The Earth and the Moon
C. The Sun and JupiterExplanation
The center of gravity between two objects, also known as the barycenter, can occur when there is a significant difference in mass between the objects. In this case, the Sun and the Earth have a significant difference in mass, causing the barycenter to be closer to the Sun. Similarly, the Earth and the Moon also have a significant difference in mass, causing the barycenter to be closer to the Earth. Finally, the Sun and Jupiter also have a significant difference in mass, causing the barycenter to be closer to the Sun. Therefore, the correct answers are The Sun and the Earth, The Earth and the Moon, and The Sun and Jupiter.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The graphs below represent the maximum height of the sun in the sky over the course of a year at two different places in North America. What must be TRUE about the two places?
- A.
Place 1 is farther north of the equator than Place 2
- B.
Place 2 is farther north of the eauator than Place 1
- C.
They are the same distance from the equator but Place 1 is east of Place 2
- D.
The maximum height of the sun would be different at two places only if something is different about the places, such as one is on a mountain and the other is not.
Correct Answer
B. Place 2 is farther north of the eauator than Place 1Explanation
The correct answer is that Place 2 is farther north of the equator than Place 1. This can be inferred from the graphs showing the maximum height of the sun in the sky over the course of a year. The graph for Place 2 consistently shows a higher maximum height of the sun compared to the graph for Place 1, indicating that Place 2 is located at a higher latitude and therefore farther north of the equator.Rate this question:
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- 4.
On the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, which of the following is TRUE?
- A.
The North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees toward the Sun
- B.
The north pole is tilted 23.5 away from the Sun
- C.
The North Pole is not tilted toward or away from the Sun
- D.
The North Pole is tiltede 12.25 degrees toward the sun
Correct Answer
C. The North Pole is not tilted toward or away from the SunExplanation
On the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, the Earth's axis is not tilted towards or away from the Sun. This means that the North Pole is neither tilted 23.5 degrees toward the Sun nor tilted 23.5 degrees away from the Sun. This is because during the spring equinox, the Earth's axis is perpendicular to the Sun's rays, resulting in equal day and night lengths.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In what way is fission and fusion reactions similar?
- A.
In BOTH reactions atoms are split and energy is released
- B.
Both reactions produce heat energy.
- C.
Neither fission nor fusion reactions produce heat energy
- D.
2 Hydrogens react to form Carbon
Correct Answer
B. Both reactions produce heat energy.Explanation
Both fission and fusion reactions produce heat energy. In fission, the nucleus of an atom is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat. Similarly, in fusion, two smaller nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, also releasing a significant amount of heat energy. Therefore, both reactions involve the release of heat energy as a result of atomic changes.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Take a look at this image. It would BEST be described as a
- A.
An example of fusion
- B.
A chain reaction
- C.
The formation of water molecule
- D.
Nuclei can not form any new elements or compounds
Correct Answer
B. A chain reactionExplanation
This image can be described as a chain reaction because it shows a series of events where one reaction triggers the next reaction, leading to a continuous process.Rate this question:
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- 7.
According to the ancients, the stars traveled around Earth on the transparent, hollow ____________________ .
- A.
Equatoral plane
- B.
Celestial sphere
- C.
Solar orb
- D.
Ellipse
Correct Answer
B. Celestial sphereExplanation
The correct answer is celestial sphere. According to the ancients, they believed that the stars moved around Earth on a transparent, hollow celestial sphere. This concept was used to explain the apparent motion of the stars and their positions in the sky. The celestial sphere was thought to be fixed and the stars were believed to be attached to it, creating the illusion of their movement across the sky.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The geocentric model of the universe stated that ________.
- A.
Earth revolved around the celestial sphere
- B.
The sun was the center of the universe
- C.
Earth was a "wanderer"
- D.
Earth was the center of the universe
Correct Answer
D. Earth was the center of the universeExplanation
The geocentric model of the universe stated that Earth was the center of the universe. This model, which was widely accepted for centuries, proposed that all celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and planets, revolved around the Earth. It was believed that the Earth was stationary and at the center of the universe, with everything else orbiting around it. This geocentric model was eventually replaced by the heliocentric model, which placed the sun at the center of the solar system and explained the motion of celestial bodies more accurately.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The measure of the total amount of matter an object contains is called _________________ . ( Think about the 2 atoms before they were fused by the microwave)
- A.
Density
- B.
Mass
- C.
Volume
- D.
Weight
Correct Answer
B. MassExplanation
Mass is the measure of the total amount of matter an object contains. It is a fundamental property of an object and is independent of its location or the force acting on it. In this context, the question suggests thinking about two atoms before they were fused by the microwave. The fusion process does not change the amount of matter in the system, only the arrangement and energy state of the atoms. Therefore, the correct answer is mass.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The first early astronomer to propose a sun-centered solar system was _________ .
- A.
Galileo
- B.
Newton
- C.
Copernicus
- D.
Kepler
Correct Answer
C. CopernicusExplanation
Copernicus was the first early astronomer to propose a sun-centered solar system. He developed the heliocentric model, which stated that the sun was at the center of the universe and the planets, including Earth, revolved around it. This was a significant departure from the prevailing geocentric model, which believed that Earth was the center of the universe. Copernicus' theory laid the foundation for modern astronomy and had a profound impact on our understanding of the solar system and the universe.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The true shape of planetary orbits was discovered by ________________ .
- A.
Newton
- B.
Galileo
- C.
Aristotle
- D.
Kepler
Correct Answer
D. KeplerExplanation
Johannes Kepler discovered the true shape of planetary orbits. He formulated three laws of planetary motion, known as Kepler's laws, which described the elliptical shape of planetary orbits. Kepler's laws were based on careful observations made by Tycho Brahe, and they provided a more accurate understanding of the motion of planets around the Sun compared to the previous theories proposed by Aristotle and Galileo. Newton later built upon Kepler's laws with his theory of universal gravitation.Rate this question:
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- 12.
According to the 3rd law of planetary motion, the period of REVOLUTION of a planet is related to the planet's ____________ .
- A.
Distance to the sun
- B.
Size
- C.
Gravitational attraction
- D.
Orbital speed
Correct Answer
A. Distance to the sunExplanation
The period of revolution of a planet is related to its distance to the sun. This means that the time it takes for a planet to complete one orbit around the sun is determined by how far it is from the sun. The farther a planet is from the sun, the longer its period of revolution will be. This relationship is described by the 3rd law of planetary motion, which was formulated by Johannes Kepler in the 17th century.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The slow by continuous movement of the Earth's axis away from the North Star toward Vega is ___________.
- A.
Nutation
- B.
Precession
- C.
Rotation
- D.
Retrograde motion
Correct Answer
B. PrecessionExplanation
Precession refers to the slow and continuous movement of the Earth's axis away from the North Star towards Vega. This phenomenon causes the position of the North Star to change over time. It is caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon on the Earth's equatorial bulge. Precession has a cycle of approximately 26,000 years and affects the orientation of the Earth's axis, leading to changes in the positions of stars and constellations in the sky over long periods of time.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What movement of Earth is responsible for night and day?
- A.
Rotation
- B.
Revolution
- C.
Precession
- D.
Perigee
Correct Answer
A. RotationExplanation
The movement of Earth known as rotation is responsible for night and day. Rotation refers to the spinning of Earth on its axis, which takes approximately 24 hours to complete. As Earth rotates, different parts of the planet are exposed to the Sun's light, causing day and night to occur. This rotation creates the cycle of 24 hours, with half of the Earth experiencing daylight while the other half experiences darkness.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Seasons are caused by ____________ .
- A.
Earth's rotation
- B.
Precession
- C.
Earth's tilted axis
- D.
Earth's distance from the sun
Correct Answer
C. Earth's tilted axisExplanation
The correct answer is Earth's tilted axis. The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, resulting in the changing seasons. When one hemisphere of the Earth is tilted towards the sun, it experiences summer, while the other hemisphere is tilted away and experiences winter. As the Earth continues its orbit around the sun, the tilt causes the seasons to change.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which of the following are you MOST likely to experience?
- A.
Total solar eclipse
- B.
Total lunar eclipse
- C.
Full moon
- D.
Partial lunar eclipse
Correct Answer
C. Full moonExplanation
The correct answer is full moon. A full moon occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, with the Earth in between. This allows the sun's light to fully illuminate the moon's surface, making it appear as a complete circle. During a full moon, the moon is visible in the night sky and appears bright and round. It is a natural phenomenon that can be experienced by simply looking up at the sky during the appropriate phase of the moon.Rate this question:
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- 17.
After the sun rises above the horizon, what happens to the angle at which sunlight hits any given place on the earth's surface?
- A.
The angle does not change at all during the day from morning to evening.
- B.
The angle changes rapidly during the morning, changes slowly during the middle of the day, and changes rapidly during the evening.
- C.
The angle changes continuously throughout the day from morning to evening.
- D.
The angles changes continuously througout the morning and eving but does not change during the middle of the day.
Correct Answer
C. The angle changes continuously throughout the day from morning to evening.Explanation
The angle at which sunlight hits any given place on the earth's surface changes continuously throughout the day from morning to evening. This is because as the sun rises higher in the sky, the angle of the sunlight becomes steeper, and as the sun sets lower in the sky, the angle of the sunlight becomes shallower. Therefore, the angle of sunlight is constantly changing throughout the day.Rate this question:
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- 18.
A student lives in a town where the summers are very warm and the winters are very cold. Why is it colder in the winter than in the summer?
- A.
Because sunlight is cooled by the cold air in the winter.
- B.
Because sunlight reaches the town at a smaller angle in the winter.
- C.
Because sunlight has to pass through more clouds to get to the town in the winter.
- D.
Because sunlight has to travel a much longer distance to get to the town in the winter.
Correct Answer
B. Because sunlight reaches the town at a smaller angle in the winter.Explanation
In the winter, sunlight reaches the town at a smaller angle. This means that the sunlight has to pass through a larger portion of the Earth's atmosphere, which results in more scattering and absorption of the sunlight. As a result, less sunlight reaches the town, leading to colder temperatures.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Jeremy wanted to test his hypothesis concerning sun angles and their effects of plant growth on his corn plants. Below is the detailed diagram of his findings. Which of the answers would be the BEST conclusion to his hypothesis.
- A.
The plants grew less in the summer because of the heated air.
- B.
The plants grew less in the winter because of the heavy snow
- C.
The plants grew less in the winter because the plants received sunlight at a low angle.
- D.
The plants did not change at all in the growing cycle.
Correct Answer
C. The plants grew less in the winter because the plants received sunlight at a low angle.Explanation
The correct answer is "The plants grew less in the winter because the plants received sunlight at a low angle." This conclusion is supported by the diagram of Jeremy's findings, which shows that the angle of sunlight is lower in the winter compared to the summer. This lower angle of sunlight in the winter would result in less direct sunlight reaching the plants, leading to decreased plant growth.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which of the following would BEST describe a SPRING TIDE
- A.
![Earth In The Universe - Quiz]()
- B.
![Earth In The Universe - Quiz]()
- C.
![Earth In The Universe - Quiz]()
Correct Answer
B.Explanation
A spring tide is a type of tide that occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned in a straight line, creating a strong gravitational pull on the ocean. This alignment causes the highest high tides and the lowest low tides, resulting in a greater difference between high and low tides. Spring tides occur during the new moon and full moon phases. This term "spring tide" is not related to the season of spring, but rather derived from the concept of the tide "springing forth" or rising.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Our galaxy is called the _______________ .
- A.
Local Group
- B.
Orion
- C.
Andromeda
- D.
Milky Way
Correct Answer
D. Milky WayExplanation
The correct answer is "Milky Way." The Milky Way is the name of our galaxy, which is a vast collection of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. It is called the Milky Way because it appears as a hazy band of light in the night sky, resembling spilled milk. The Milky Way is home to our solar system and billions of other stars, and it is estimated to be about 100,000 light-years in diameter.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which force is most responsible for the formation of a star?
- A.
Interstellar force
- B.
Electromagnetic force
- C.
Gravity
- D.
Nuclear force
Correct Answer
C. GravityExplanation
Gravity is the most responsible force for the formation of a star. Gravity pulls together the gas and dust in a molecular cloud, causing it to collapse and form a protostar. As the protostar continues to collapse, the gravitational force increases, causing the temperature and pressure to rise. Eventually, the core becomes hot and dense enough for nuclear fusion to occur, leading to the birth of a star. Without gravity, the gas and dust would not come together to form a star.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Watch this video that was videoed then converted to a simulation by APOLLO 17 of the Earth Phases. This view of the Earth was taken from the surface of the moon. http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast161/Movies/ephaseap17.mov Which of the following would BEST be determined by viewing the video?
- A.
The earth spins too fast
- B.
The tides are visible from the moon
- C.
You can see the rotation and the tilt of the axis of Earth
- D.
This video shows no attributes of the Earth.
Correct Answer
C. You can see the rotation and the tilt of the axis of EarthExplanation
By viewing the video, one can observe the rotation and tilt of the Earth's axis. This is evident from the changing phases of the Earth as seen from the moon's surface. The video provides a visual representation of how the Earth rotates and how its axis is tilted, allowing viewers to understand these attributes of our planet.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Choose the cycle that BEST describes the life cycle that provides the earth with sustainable water.
- A.
![Earth In The Universe - Quiz]()
- B.
![Earth In The Universe - Quiz]()
- C.
![Earth In The Universe - Quiz]()
Correct Answer
C.Explanation
The water cycle is the best cycle that describes the life cycle that provides the earth with sustainable water. In this cycle, water evaporates from the earth's surface, forms clouds, and then falls back to the earth as precipitation. This process ensures a continuous supply of water on earth, making it sustainable.Rate this question:
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.jpg "The graphs below represent the maximum height of the sun in the sky over the course of a year at two different places in North America. What must be TRUE about the two places?")
.bmp "The first early astronomer to propose a sun-centered solar system was _________ .")
.jpg "According to the 3rd law of planetary motion, the period of REVOLUTION of a planet is related to the planet's ____________ .")
.jpg "Which of the following are you MOST likely to experience?")
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