Astronomy Final Test 1

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1/40 Questions

What observation did the ancient Greek astronomers try to search for to prove a heliocentric Solar System?
- Stellar parallax
- The tides
- The seasons
- Synchronous rotation

About This Quiz

Astronomy Final Test 1 assesses knowledge on key astronomical concepts including stellar parallax, gravitational forces, planetary rotation, and Kepler's Laws. It aims to deepen understanding of the universe's structure and enhance analytical skills in interpreting celestial phenomena.

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2.

How does the force of gravity of the Sun on Mars compare to the force of gravity of Mars on the Sun?
- The sun pulls more strongly on Mars than Mars pulls on the Sun
- Mars pulls more strongly on the Sun than the Sun pulls on Mars
- The pull with equal strengths
- They are too far apart to have a force of gravity between them
Correct Answer

A. The pull with equal strengths

Explanation

The answer is "The pull with equal strengths" because according to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the force of gravity between two objects depends on their masses and the distance between them. Since both the Sun and Mars have mass, and they are both attracting each other with the same force of gravity, the pull between them is equal in strength.

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1
3.

If we observe one edge of a planets to be redshifted and the opposite edge to be blueshifted, what can we conclude about the planet?
- The planet is in the process of falling apart
- The planet is rotating
- The planet is actually two bodies, one moving toward us, the other away from us
- The planet is in the process of formation
Correct Answer

A. The planet is rotating

Explanation

If we observe one edge of a planet to be redshifted and the opposite edge to be blueshifted, we can conclude that the planet is rotating. This is because the Doppler effect causes a shift in the wavelength of light emitted from an object that is moving towards or away from the observer. In this case, the redshifted edge indicates that the edge is moving away from us, while the blueshifted edge indicates that the edge is moving towards us. This suggests that the planet is rotating, causing different edges to have different velocities relative to the observer.

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4.

The purpose of science as discussed in class is
- To describe and understand the order present in nature
- To discover the absolute truth about nature
- To achieve the fame and fortune that all scientists deserve
- None of the above
- To prove the already-existing theories about the Universe
Correct Answer

A. To describe and understand the order present in nature

Explanation

The purpose of science is to describe and understand the order present in nature. This involves observing and studying natural phenomena, formulating theories and hypotheses, and conducting experiments to test and validate these explanations. Science aims to uncover the underlying principles and mechanisms that govern the natural world, allowing us to make predictions and improve our understanding of how things work. It is not about discovering absolute truth or seeking fame and fortune, but rather about seeking knowledge and advancing our understanding of the natural world.

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5.

Which property of stars cannot be determined from our model of the Celestial Sphere?
- Their distance
- Their location in the sky
- Their motion over the course of a single night
- Their motion over the course of a year
- None of the above (they all can)
Correct Answer

A. Their distance

Explanation

The property of stars that cannot be determined from our model of the Celestial Sphere is their distance. The Celestial Sphere is a theoretical model that represents the apparent positions of stars in the sky, but it does not provide any information about the actual distances of the stars from Earth. Determining the distance to stars requires more advanced techniques such as parallax, spectroscopy, or the use of standard candles.

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6.

All of the following statements are true. Which one follows directly from Kepler's 3rd Law?
- Venus orbits the Sun at a slower average speed than Mercury
- Venus is more massive than Mercury
- Venus has a thicker atmosphere than Mercury
- Venus takes longer to rotate than it does to orbit the Sun
Correct Answer

A. Venus orbits the Sun at a slower average speed than Mercury

Explanation

Kepler's 3rd Law states that the square of the orbital period of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of its average distance from the Sun. Since Venus orbits the Sun at a slower average speed than Mercury, it means that Venus has a longer orbital period than Mercury. This is a direct implication of Kepler's 3rd Law.

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7.

Why are astronauts weightless in the Space Station?
- Because the Space Station is traveling so fast
- Because the Space Station is moving at a constant velocity
- Because there is no gravity in space
- Because the Space Station is constantly in free-fall around Earth
Correct Answer

A. Because the Space Station is constantly in free-fall around Earth

Explanation

The reason astronauts are weightless in the Space Station is because the Space Station is constantly in free-fall around Earth. When an object is in free-fall, it is essentially falling towards the Earth but also moving forward at a fast enough speed to keep missing it. This creates the sensation of weightlessness for the astronauts inside the Space Station. Despite the presence of gravity in space, the continuous free-fall motion of the Space Station counteracts the pull of gravity, resulting in the feeling of weightlessness.

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8.

The entire range of light is called the
- Visible light
- Rainbow
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- All of the above
Correct Answer

A. Electromagnetic Spectrum

Explanation

The correct answer is "Electromagnetic Spectrum" because it encompasses the entire range of light, including visible light. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of various types of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Therefore, all of the options mentioned in the question are included in the electromagnetic spectrum, making it the correct answer.

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9.

To be scientifically valid, and experiment should
- Be repeatable
- Have only one possible outcome
- Involve as a few test objects as possible
- Prove the hypothesis beyond a shadow of doubt
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. Be repeatable

Explanation

For an experiment to be scientifically valid, it should be repeatable. This means that the experiment should be able to be replicated by other researchers or individuals, following the same procedure and using the same materials, in order to obtain consistent results. Reproducibility is an essential aspect of scientific experiments as it allows for verification and validation of the findings, ensuring that the results are not due to chance or error.

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10.

The Milky Way feature in the sky shows that the shape of our Galaxy is
- A sphere
- A rectangle
- A flat disk
- Changing with time
- Unknowable
Correct Answer

A. A flat disk

Explanation

The Milky Way feature in the sky shows that the shape of our Galaxy is a flat disk. This is supported by observations that reveal a band of stars and dust across the sky, forming a ring-like structure. Additionally, studies of other galaxies have shown that many of them also have a disk-like shape. Therefore, it can be inferred that our Galaxy, the Milky Way, has a similar flat disk shape.

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11.

Why did Copernicus' model of the Solar System do no better in predicting the position of the planets than the ancient Greeks?
- Because he did not know about the existence of Uranus and Neptune
- Because he still had the planets revolving in circular orbits around the Sun
- Because he still had place Earth at the center of the Solar System
- Because he did not allow the planets to rotate around their axis
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. Because he still had the planets revolving in circular orbits around the Sun

Explanation

Copernicus' model of the Solar System did not accurately predict the position of the planets because he still had the planets revolving in circular orbits around the Sun. This was a deviation from the actual elliptical orbits that the planets follow. The ancient Greeks also believed in circular orbits, which is why Copernicus' model did not improve upon their predictions.

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12.

If you wanted to increase the force of gravity between to objects you could
- Decrease the mass of one of the objects
- Increase the distance between the objects
- Increase the size of one of the objects while keepings its mass constant
- Decrease the distance between the objects
- All of the above
Correct Answer

A. Decrease the distance between the objects

Explanation

To increase the force of gravity between two objects, the distance between them needs to be decreased. This is because the force of gravity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects. As the distance decreases, the force of gravity between the objects increases. Therefore, decreasing the distance between the objects will increase the force of gravity between them.

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13.

The color of light is determined by
- Speed
- Amplitude
- Brightness
- Location
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. None of the above

Explanation

The color of light is not determined by speed, amplitude, brightness, or location. The color of light is determined by its wavelength. Different wavelengths of light correspond to different colors in the visible spectrum.

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14.

Which of the following scientific terms encompasses the most verified information
- A hypothesis
- A law
- A theory
- A principle
- An experiment
Correct Answer

A. A theory

Explanation

A theory encompasses the most verified information among the given scientific terms. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a vast amount of evidence and has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through experimentation and observation. It is supported by a wide range of scientific data and is considered to be the highest level of scientific understanding. Unlike a hypothesis, which is a tentative explanation that needs further testing, a theory is backed by extensive research and has stood the test of time.

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15.

Stars rise in the east and set in the west over the course of a single night due to
- The motion of the Sun in the celestial sphere
- The rotation of Earth around its own axis
- The revolution of the Earth around the Sun
- The physical motion of the stars through space
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. The rotation of Earth around its own axis

Explanation

Stars rise in the east and set in the west over the course of a single night due to the rotation of Earth around its own axis. As the Earth rotates from west to east, it creates the illusion that the stars are moving from east to west. This rotation causes the stars to appear to rise in the east, move across the sky, and set in the west. The motion of the Sun in the celestial sphere and the revolution of the Earth around the Sun do not directly affect the rising and setting of stars over a single night. The physical motion of the stars through space is also not responsible for this phenomenon.

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16.

The orbit of each planet around the Sun is a(n)
- Circle
- Figure 8
- Ellipse
- S-curved path
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. Ellipse

Explanation

The orbit of each planet around the Sun is an ellipse. An ellipse is a closed curve that is symmetric about its center. In the case of planetary orbits, the Sun is located at one of the foci of the ellipse. This means that the distance between the planet and the Sun varies throughout its orbit. The shape of the ellipse allows for this variation, with the planet being closer to the Sun at certain points (perihelion) and farther away at others (aphelion). This elliptical shape of the orbits is a result of the gravitational forces between the Sun and the planet.

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17.

Suppose the Sun shrank in size but its mass remained the same. What would happen to the orbit of the Earth?
- Earth's orbit would expand, and it would take more than one year to orbit the Sun
- Earth would change from a bound orbit to and unbound orbit and fly off into in stellar space
- The size of Earth's orbit would shrink and it would take less than one year to orbit the Sun
- Earth's orbit would not be affected
Correct Answer

A. Earth's orbit would not be affected

Explanation

The orbit of the Earth is determined by the gravitational force between the Earth and the Sun. If the Sun were to shrink in size while its mass remains the same, the gravitational force between the Earth and the Sun would not change. Therefore, the Earth's orbit would not be affected and it would continue to orbit the Sun in the same manner as before.

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18.

A spectrume that has a rainbow background with black lines in it is called
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- A continuous spectrum
- An absorption spectrum
- An emission spectrum
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. An absorption spectrum

Explanation

An absorption spectrum refers to a spectrum that has a rainbow background with black lines in it. This type of spectrum is created when a continuous spectrum of light passes through a medium and certain wavelengths are absorbed by the atoms or molecules in the medium. The absorbed wavelengths appear as black lines in the spectrum, indicating the specific energies that have been absorbed. This phenomenon is commonly observed in spectroscopy and helps to identify the elements or compounds present in a sample.

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19.

Only one of the following statements used the term theory in its correct scientific sense, what is it?
- I have a new theory about the cause of earthquakes, I plan to test it soon
- Evolution is only a theory, so there is no reason to think it actually happened
- Einstein's theory of relativity has been tested and verified thousands of times
- I wrote a theory that is 152 pages long
Correct Answer

A. Einstein's theory of relativity has been tested and verified thousands of times

Explanation

The correct answer is "Einstein's theory of relativity has been tested and verified thousands of times." This statement correctly uses the term theory in its scientific sense by referring to a well-established scientific explanation that has undergone rigorous testing and verification. The mention of testing and verification indicates that the theory has been subjected to scientific scrutiny and has stood up to repeated experimentation and observation.

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20.

Earth's rotation axis is tilted by 23.5 degrees with respect to Earth's orbit around the Sun. This causes the effect we call
- Synchronous rotation
- Stellar parallax
- The tides
- The seasons
- All of the above
Correct Answer

A. The seasons

Explanation

The Earth's rotation axis being tilted by 23.5 degrees with respect to its orbit around the Sun causes the effect we call the seasons. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive different amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to the changes in weather and temperature that we associate with the seasons. The tilt determines whether a particular hemisphere is tilted towards or away from the Sun, resulting in variations in the intensity and duration of sunlight, which in turn affects the seasons.

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21.

Who discovered Jupiter has moons?
- Aristotle
- Galileo
- Tycho Brache
- Kepler
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. Galileo

Explanation

Galileo discovered that Jupiter has moons. He observed four of Jupiter's largest moons, now known as the Galilean moons, through his telescope in 1610. This observation was significant because it challenged the prevailing belief at the time that all celestial bodies revolved around the Earth. Galileo's discovery provided evidence for the heliocentric model of the solar system, where planets revolve around the Sun.

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22.

Which of the following would require the fastest escape velocity to escapes Earth's gravity and fly off into space?
- A pencil
- An apple
- A person
- An elephant
- They would all require the same escape velocity to escape Earth's gravity
Correct Answer

A. They would all require the same escape velocity to escape Earth's gravity

Explanation

All objects, regardless of their size or mass, require the same escape velocity to escape Earth's gravity. Escape velocity is the minimum velocity an object needs to achieve in order to overcome Earth's gravitational pull and fly off into space. It is determined solely by the mass and radius of the Earth. Therefore, whether it is a pencil, an apple, a person, or an elephant, they would all require the same escape velocity to escape Earth's gravity.

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23.

Which color star would have the highest temperature?
- An ultraviolet star
- A blue star
- A red star
- A yellow star
- A green star
Correct Answer

A. An ultraviolet star

Explanation

Ultraviolet stars have the highest temperature among the given options. Ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than visible light. Higher temperature stars emit more energy and have a greater proportion of their light in the ultraviolet range. Therefore, an ultraviolet star would have the highest temperature compared to blue, red, yellow, and green stars.

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24.

A hypothesis is considered scientific only if it
- Is refutable
- Can be proven
- Uses only ideas that have been verified previously
- Is correct
- All of the above
Correct Answer

A. Is refutable

Explanation

A scientific hypothesis is considered valid if it can be proven wrong or refuted through experimentation or observation. This is because the scientific method relies on testing and falsification to gain knowledge and understanding. If a hypothesis cannot be disproven, it cannot be considered scientific as it lacks the ability to be tested and potentially revised or rejected based on empirical evidence. Therefore, the correct answer is that a hypothesis is scientific only if it is refutable.

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25.

On which of the following days does the Sun rise due east and set due west everywhere on Earth
- The spring equinox
- The summer solstice
- New year's day
- The winter solstice
- The sun rises due east and sets due west everywhere on the Earth everyday of the year
Correct Answer

A. The spring equinox

Explanation

On the spring equinox, the Sun rises due east and sets due west everywhere on Earth. This is because during the equinoxes, the tilt of the Earth's axis is neither towards nor away from the Sun, causing the Sun to be directly above the equator. As a result, the Sun's path across the sky is directly east to west, resulting in equal day and night lengths.

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26.

According to Kepler's Laws, when does a planet move fastest in its orbit around the Sun?
- When a planet is nearest to the Sun
- When the planet is furthest from the Sun
- When it is in apparent retrograde motion
- Whenever its distance form the Sun exceeds 1 AU
- A planet always orbits the Sun with a constant speed
Correct Answer

A. When a planet is nearest to the Sun

Explanation

According to Kepler's Laws, a planet moves fastest in its orbit around the Sun when it is nearest to the Sun. This is because of the law of equal areas, which states that a line that connects a planet to the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal time intervals. When a planet is closest to the Sun, it covers a smaller distance in a given time interval, resulting in a higher speed. As the planet moves further away from the Sun, the distance it covers in the same time interval increases, causing its speed to decrease. Therefore, the planet moves fastest when it is nearest to the Sun.

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27.

Which of the following best describes the origin of ocean tides on Earth?
- Tides are caused by the difference in the force of gravity exerted by the Moon across the sphere of Earth
- Tides are caused by the 23.5-degree tilt of Earth's rotational axis to the ecliptic plane
- Tides are caused on the side of Earth nearest the Moon because the Moon's gravity attracts the water
- The Moon's gravity pulls harder on water than on land, because water is less dense
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. Tides are caused by the difference in the force of gravity exerted by the Moon across the sphere of Earth

Explanation

The correct answer explains that ocean tides on Earth are caused by the difference in the force of gravity exerted by the Moon across the sphere of Earth. This means that the Moon's gravitational pull is stronger on the side of Earth that is closer to the Moon, causing a bulge of water to form. As the Earth rotates, this bulge creates high tides, while low tides occur in the areas where the water is pulled away from. This explanation accurately describes the phenomenon of ocean tides being influenced by the Moon's gravitational force.

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28.

The light from an object can help astronomers determine
- What the object is made of
- The temperature of the object
- How fast the object is moving
- Whether the object is moving toward or away from the Earth
- All of the above
Correct Answer

A. The temperature of the object

Explanation

The correct answer is "The temperature of the object." Astronomers can determine the temperature of an object by analyzing the spectrum of light it emits. Different elements and molecules emit light at specific wavelengths, which can be used to identify their presence in the object. The intensity of the light can also provide information about the temperature of the object, as hotter objects emit more intense light. Therefore, by studying the light from an object, astronomers can determine its temperature.

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29.

Which of the following statements about scientific theories in NOT true?
- A theory must make predictions that can be checked by observation or experiment
- If even a single new fact is discovered that contradicts what we expect according to a particular theory, then the theory is revised or discarded
- A theory is a model designed to explain a number of observed facts
- A theory can never be proved beyond all doubt; we can only hope to collect more and more evidence that might support it
- A theory cannot be taken serious by scientists if it contradicts other theories developed by scientists over the past several hundred years
Correct Answer

A. A theory is a model designed to explain a number of observed facts

Explanation

A theory is a model designed to explain a number of observed facts. This statement is true because a scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence. It is developed through observations, experiments, and logical reasoning to explain a wide range of observed facts. Theories are not just random guesses or opinions, but rather they are supported by empirical evidence and are subject to testing and revision based on new evidence.

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30.

Which of the following is NOT one of, nor a direct consequence of, Kepler's Laws?
- As a planet moves around its orbit, it moves faster when nearer the Sun and slower when more distant
- The force of attraction between any two objects decreases as the distance between them increases
- More distant planets orbit the Sun at slower speeds
- The orbit of each planet is an ellipse with the Sun at one focus
- They all are part of Kepler's laws
Correct Answer

A. The force of attraction between any two objects decreases as the distance between them increases

Explanation

The force of attraction between any two objects decreasing as the distance between them increases is not one of Kepler's Laws. Kepler's Laws describe the motion of planets in their orbits around the Sun. The first law states that the orbit of each planet is an ellipse with the Sun at one focus. The second law states that a planet moves faster when it is nearer to the Sun and slower when it is farther away. The third law states that more distant planets orbit the Sun at slower speeds.

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31.

Which one explains the reason there are not eclipses every month?
- The moon is only about one fourth as large as the Earth in diameter
- The orbit of the Moon is slightly tilted (by about 5 degrees) with respect of Earth's orbit around the Sun
- The Mon goes through a complete cycle of phases about every 29.5 days
- Eclipses can only occur when the Sun is between the Moon and the Earth
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. The orbit of the Moon is slightly tilted (by about 5 degrees) with respect of Earth's orbit around the Sun

Explanation

The reason there are not eclipses every month is because the orbit of the Moon is slightly tilted (by about 5 degrees) with respect to Earth's orbit around the Sun. This means that most of the time, the Moon's shadow misses the Earth, resulting in no eclipses.

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32.

When do the highest tides occur?
- At night
- At noon when the Sun is highest in the Sky
- During the full moon phase
- On the first day of summer
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. During the full moon phase

Explanation

During the full moon phase, the highest tides occur due to the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun aligning. The Moon's gravity causes a bulge in the ocean on the side facing the Moon, while the Sun's gravity has a similar effect. When the Moon is full, it is directly opposite the Sun, and their combined gravitational pull creates the highest tides. This phenomenon is known as spring tides and typically occurs twice a month during the full and new moon phases.

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33.

Say a yellow star was moving toward Earth at a very high speed. What color might it appear to an astronomer on Earth?
- Red
- Infraraed
- Orange
- Green
- Yellow (no color change at all)
Correct Answer

A. Green

Explanation

If a yellow star is moving towards Earth at a very high speed, it would experience a phenomenon called "Doppler effect." This effect causes the wavelengths of light to compress, resulting in a shift towards the blue end of the spectrum. Therefore, to an astronomer on Earth, the star would appear more blue or green in color rather than yellow. Since green is the closest option to blue, it is the most likely color that the star would appear to the astronomer.

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34.

On what day is South Carolina in direct Sunlight?
- The spring equinox
- The fall equinox
- The winter solstice
- The summer solstice
- It receives the same amount everyday of the year
Correct Answer

A. The winter solstice

Explanation

The winter solstice occurs on December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. On this day, the tilt of the Earth's axis is furthest away from the sun, causing the sun to be at its lowest point in the sky. Therefore, South Carolina would be in direct sunlight for the shortest amount of time on the winter solstice.

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35.

Who discovered the universal law of gravity?
- Albert Einstein
- Galileo
- Kepler
- Newton
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. Newton

Explanation

Sir Isaac Newton is credited with discovering the universal law of gravity. He formulated the law of universal gravitation, which states that every particle attracts every other particle in the universe with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized our understanding of the physical world and laid the foundation for modern physics.

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36.

Suppose that star X and Star Y both have redshifts, but Star X has a larger redshift than Star Y. What can you conclude
- Star X is moving away from us and Star Y is moving towards us
- Star Y is moving away from us faster than Star X
- Star X is hotter than Star Y
- Star X is moving away from us faster than Star Y
- Star X is coming toward us faster than Star Y
Correct Answer

A. Star X is moving away from us faster than Star Y

Explanation

Based on the information given, the redshift of a star is an indication of its motion relative to us. A larger redshift indicates that the star is moving away from us at a faster rate. Therefore, we can conclude that Star X is moving away from us faster than Star Y.

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37.

A lunar eclipse occurs when
- Earth passes through the Moon's shadow
- The Moon is in the new moon phase and the Moon is at the north celestial pole
- The Moon is between the Sun and Earth
- The Moon is in the full moon phase and the Moon is on the ecliptic
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. The Moon is in the full moon phase and the Moon is on the ecliptic

Explanation

During a lunar eclipse, the Moon is in the full moon phase and it is positioned on the ecliptic. The full moon phase occurs when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun, with the Earth in between. The ecliptic is the path that the Sun appears to follow in the sky throughout the year. When the Moon is on the ecliptic during a full moon, it can pass through the Earth's shadow, resulting in a lunar eclipse. This is why the answer "The Moon is in the full moon phase and the Moon is on the ecliptic" is correct.

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38.

Which of the following is NOT a way that light and matter interact?
- Absorption
- Evaporation
- Scattering
- Transmission
- Emission
Correct Answer

A. Evaporation

Explanation

Evaporation is not a way that light and matter interact because it is the process by which a liquid turns into a gas, and does not involve the interaction of light with matter. Light and matter interact through absorption, scattering, transmission, and emission. Absorption occurs when matter absorbs light energy, scattering is the redirection of light waves by matter, transmission is the passing of light through matter, and emission is the release of light energy by matter.

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39.

What causes the apparent retrograde motion of the planets?
- When planets are farther away from the Sun, they move slower then when they are nearer the Sun; it is during this slower period that they appear to move backwards
- As Earth passes another planet, its gravitational pull slows down the other planet so that it appears to be traveling backward
- The other planets never really appear to move backward; the background stars shift due to Earth's revolution around the Sun
- Apparent retrograde motion is an illusion created by turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere
- As Earth passes another planet, the other planets appears to move backward with respect o the background stars, but the plant's motion does not really change
Correct Answer

A. As Earth passes another planet, the other planets appears to move backward with respect o the background stars, but the plant's motion does not really change

Explanation

The apparent retrograde motion of the planets is caused by the relative motion between Earth and the other planets. As Earth orbits the Sun, it occasionally overtakes and passes by other planets in their orbits. During this time, the other planets appear to move backward with respect to the background stars, even though their actual motion does not change. This phenomenon is an illusion created by the perspective from Earth and the motion of the planets in their own orbits.

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40.

From a laboratory measurements, we know that a particular spectral line formed by hydrogen appears at a wavelength of 121.6 nm. The spectrum of a particular star show the same hydrogen line appearing at a wavelength of 121.8 nm. What can we conclude?
- The star is moving away from us
- The star is getting hotter
- The star is getting colder
- The "star" is actually a planet
- The star is moving towards us
Correct Answer

A. The star is moving away from us

Explanation

The observed shift in the wavelength of the hydrogen line towards longer wavelengths indicates that the star is moving away from us. This phenomenon is known as redshift and is caused by the Doppler effect. As the star moves away, the wavelength of the light it emits is stretched, resulting in a longer wavelength.

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Quiz Edited by
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Dec 07, 2010

Quiz Created by
Brentzel

Astronomy Final Test 1

What observation did the ancient Greek astronomers try to search for to prove a heliocentric Solar System?

Quiz Preview

How does the force of gravity of the Sun on Mars compare to the force of gravity of Mars on the Sun?

If we observe one edge of a planets to be redshifted and the opposite edge to be blueshifted, what can we conclude about the planet?

The purpose of science as discussed in class is

Which property of stars cannot be determined from our model of the Celestial Sphere?

All of the following statements are true. Which one follows directly from Kepler's 3rd Law?

Why are astronauts weightless in the Space Station?

The entire range of light is called the

To be scientifically valid, and experiment should

The Milky Way feature in the sky shows that the shape of our Galaxy is

Why did Copernicus' model of the Solar System do no better in predicting the position of the planets than the ancient Greeks?

If you wanted to increase the force of gravity between to objects you could

The color of light is determined by

Which of the following scientific terms encompasses the most verified information

Stars rise in the east and set in the west over the course of a single night due to

The orbit of each planet around the Sun is a(n)

Suppose the Sun shrank in size but its mass remained the same. What would happen to the orbit of the Earth?

A spectrume that has a rainbow background with black lines in it is called

Only one of the following statements used the term theory in its correct scientific sense, what is it?

Earth's rotation axis is tilted by 23.5 degrees with respect to Earth's orbit around the Sun. This causes the effect we call

Who discovered Jupiter has moons?

Which of the following would require the fastest escape velocity to escapes Earth's gravity and fly off into space?

Which color star would have the highest temperature?

A hypothesis is considered scientific only if it

On which of the following days does the Sun rise due east and set due west everywhere on Earth

According to Kepler's Laws, when does a planet move fastest in its orbit around the Sun?

Which of the following best describes the origin of ocean tides on Earth?

The light from an object can help astronomers determine

Which of the following statements about scientific theories in NOT true?

Which of the following is NOT one of, nor a direct consequence of, Kepler's Laws?

Which one explains the reason there are not eclipses every month?

When do the highest tides occur?

Say a yellow star was moving toward Earth at a very high speed. What color might it appear to an astronomer on Earth?

On what day is South Carolina in direct Sunlight?

Who discovered the universal law of gravity?

Suppose that star X and Star Y both have redshifts, but Star X has a larger redshift than Star Y. What can you conclude

A lunar eclipse occurs when

Which of the following is NOT a way that light and matter interact?

What causes the apparent retrograde motion of the planets?

From a laboratory measurements, we know that a particular spectral line formed by hydrogen appears at a wavelength of 121.6 nm. The spectrum of a particular star show the same hydrogen line appearing at a wavelength of 121.8 nm. What can we conclude?