1.
______________ has (have) wavelengths that are longer than visible light.
Correct Answer
C. Infrared Radiation
Explanation
Infrared radiation has wavelengths that are longer than visible light. This type of radiation is not visible to the human eye, but can be felt as heat. It is commonly used in applications such as thermal imaging and remote controls.
2.
Star C and star D are equally luminous. Star C is twice as far away from Earth as star D. How do the brightness level of stars C and D compare?
Correct Answer
D. Star D appears four times as bright as star C
Explanation
The brightness of a star is inversely proportional to the square of its distance from Earth. Since star C is twice as far away from Earth as star D, the brightness of star C will be 1/4th (2^2) of the brightness of star D. Therefore, star D appears four times as bright as star C.
3.
You research the star Sirius and find that its spectral lines are blue shifted. What does this tell you about Sirius?
Correct Answer
C. It has a radial velocity that is toward us.
Explanation
The blue shift observed in the spectral lines of Sirius indicates that it has a radial velocity that is toward us. This means that Sirius is moving closer to us. The Doppler effect causes the wavelengths of light emitted by an object to appear shorter (shifted towards the blue end of the spectrum) when the object is moving towards us. Therefore, the blue shift in Sirius's spectral lines suggests that it is moving towards Earth.
4.
The wavelength of maximum intensity that is emitted by a black body is
Correct Answer
B. Inversely proportional to temperature
Explanation
The correct answer is inversely proportional to temperature. This is because of Wien's displacement law, which states that the wavelength of maximum intensity emitted by a black body is inversely proportional to its temperature. As the temperature increases, the wavelength of maximum intensity decreases. This relationship is described by the equation λ_max = b/T, where λ_max is the wavelength of maximum intensity, T is the temperature, and b is a constant.
5.
Of the following, which color represents the lowest surface temperature star?
Correct Answer
D. Red
Explanation
Red represents the lowest surface temperature star. This is because the color of a star is determined by its temperature, with cooler stars appearing redder and hotter stars appearing bluer. Red stars have a surface temperature of around 3,000 to 4,000 Kelvin, while blue stars have a much higher temperature of around 10,000 Kelvin or more. Therefore, among the given options, red is the color that represents the lowest surface temperature star.
6.
Ultraviolet radiation is hard to observe primarily because
Correct Answer
A. The Earth's atmospHere easily absorbs it at the upper atmospHere
Explanation
The correct answer is that the Earth's atmosphere easily absorbs ultraviolet radiation at the upper atmosphere. This is because the Earth's ozone layer acts as a shield, absorbing most of the harmful ultraviolet rays from the Sun. As a result, only a small amount of ultraviolet radiation reaches the Earth's surface, making it difficult to observe and study.
7.
The ________________ of a telescope is a measure of its ability to show fine detail and depends on the diameter of the objective.
Correct Answer
C. Resolving Power
Explanation
The resolving power of a telescope refers to its ability to show fine detail. It is determined by the diameter of the objective. A larger objective diameter allows more light to enter the telescope, resulting in better resolution and the ability to distinguish finer details. Therefore, the resolving power is directly influenced by the objective diameter of the telescope.
8.
Radio telescopes are often connected together to do interferometry. What is the primary problem overcome by radio interferometry?
Correct Answer
B. Poor resolving power.
Explanation
Radio telescopes have poor resolving power, which means they are not able to produce detailed images of distant objects. By connecting multiple radio telescopes together in an interferometer, they can work together to overcome this limitation. Interferometry allows the telescopes to combine their signals and create a virtual telescope with a much larger baseline, resulting in improved resolving power. This enables astronomers to observe and study celestial objects with greater detail and precision.
9.
The Arecibo Observatory is:
Correct Answer
A. A radio observatory
Explanation
The Arecibo Observatory is a radio observatory, which means it is primarily used for studying and observing radio waves emitted by celestial objects. Unlike optical observatories that use visible light or X-ray observatories that focus on X-rays, the Arecibo Observatory specializes in collecting and analyzing radio signals from space. It has a large radio telescope dish that allows for precise detection and measurement of radio waves, making it a valuable tool for studying a wide range of astronomical phenomena.
10.
What is the name of the effect when an electromagnetic wave is bent as it passes from one material into another?
Correct Answer
B. Refraction
Explanation
Refraction is the name of the effect when an electromagnetic wave is bent as it passes from one material into another. This phenomenon occurs due to the change in the speed of the wave as it enters a different medium, causing it to change direction. Refraction is commonly observed when light passes through a lens or when a straw appears bent when placed in a glass of water.
11.
The entire electromagmetic spectrum can be divided into the seven bands of Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visivle, Ultraviolet, X-ray, and Gamma-ray (from longest to shortest wavelength). To which of these two bands is Earth's atmosphere the most transparent?
Correct Answer
B. Visible & Radio
Explanation
Earth's atmosphere is most transparent to the visible and radio bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. This means that these two bands can pass through the atmosphere with minimal absorption or scattering. Visible light is the portion of the spectrum that is visible to the human eye, and radio waves have longer wavelengths than visible light.
12.
Which electron energy level transition corresponds to a hydrogen atom absorbing a visible-light photon that has a wavelength of 656 nanometers?
Correct Answer
B. The electron makes the transition from energy level 2 to energy level 3.
Explanation
When a hydrogen atom absorbs a visible-light photon with a wavelength of 656 nanometers, it indicates that the electron is moving to a higher energy level. The wavelength of the photon corresponds to the energy difference between the two energy levels. In this case, the wavelength of 656 nanometers corresponds to the transition from energy level 2 to energy level 3.
13.
The reason to prefer a reflecting over a refracting telescope is its
Correct Answer
D. All of the above are valid reasons
Explanation
All of the above are valid reasons to prefer a reflecting over a refracting telescope. Reflecting telescopes do not suffer from chromatic aberration, which is a distortion of colors caused by the refraction of light in a lens. Additionally, reflecting telescopes can have a shorter length for the same aperture size compared to refracting telescopes, making them more compact and easier to handle. Lastly, reflecting telescopes tend to be lighter in weight for larger apertures, making them more portable and easier to transport for astronomical observations.
14.
Particle accelerators that smash atoms or particles together at high speeds, such as Fermilab or CERN, are important tools used for simulating conditions in
Correct Answer
C. The early universe
Explanation
Particle accelerators that smash atoms or particles together at high speeds are used to simulate conditions in the early universe. By recreating the high-energy collisions that occurred shortly after the Big Bang, scientists can study the fundamental particles and forces that were present during the early stages of the universe's evolution. This helps in gaining a better understanding of the origins of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics. Fermilab and CERN are two well-known particle accelerators where such experiments are conducted.
15.
The lowest energy level in an atom is
Correct Answer
B. The ground state.
Explanation
The lowest energy level in an atom is referred to as the ground state. This is the most stable and lowest energy configuration that an electron can occupy within an atom. In the ground state, the electron is closest to the nucleus and has the least amount of energy. The other options mentioned in the question, such as absolute zero temperature, ionization level, responsible for Doppler shifts, and the energy level from which the Paschen Series of hydrogen originates, are not correct explanations for the lowest energy level in an atom.
16.
Ultraviolet radiation from a star
Correct Answer
A. Will not penetrate Earth's atmospHere and reach the ground.
Explanation
Ultraviolet radiation from a star will not penetrate Earth's atmosphere and reach the ground because the Earth's atmosphere acts as a shield that absorbs and scatters most of the UV radiation. Therefore, only a small fraction of the UV radiation can make it through the atmosphere and reach the Earth's surface.
17.
What is the wavelength of the longest wavelength light visible to the human eye?
Correct Answer
D. 700 nm
Explanation
The wavelength of the longest wavelength light visible to the human eye is 700 nm. This is because the human eye is most sensitive to light in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm, with 700 nm being at the red end of the visible spectrum. Light with longer wavelengths, such as 7000 nm, would fall into the infrared region and would not be visible to the human eye.
18.
If light from a star passes from an excited low density gas seen against the dark background of space to your telescope and spectroscope, __________ spectrum results.
Correct Answer
A. A bright (emission) line
Explanation
When light from a star passes through an excited low density gas, the gas absorbs certain wavelengths of light, causing dark lines to appear in the spectrum. However, in this scenario, the gas is excited and emits light at specific wavelengths. This emitted light appears as bright lines in the spectrum. Therefore, the correct answer is a bright (emission) line spectrum.
19.
The most massive part of the atom is (are) the ___________which has (have) a ___________charge
Correct Answer
C. Nucleus, positive
Explanation
The correct answer is nucleus, positive. The nucleus is the most massive part of the atom, as it contains most of the atom's mass. It is made up of protons and neutrons, with protons carrying a positive charge. The electrons, on the other hand, are much smaller in mass and have a negative charge. Therefore, the nucleus, consisting of positively charged protons, is the most massive part of the atom.
20.
A plot of the continuous spectra of five different stars is shown in the figure below. Based on these spectra, which of the stars is the hottest?
Correct Answer
D. Star A
Explanation
Based on the continuous spectra shown in the figure, the intensity of radiation emitted by Star A is the highest compared to the other stars. Since hotter objects emit more intense radiation, it can be inferred that Star A is the hottest among the given options.
21.
If continuous spectrum light from a star passes through a cool low density gas on its way to your telescope and spectroscope, _____________ spectrum on the continous spectrum results.
Correct Answer
A. A dark (absorption) line
Explanation
When continuous spectrum light from a star passes through a cool low density gas, the atoms in the gas can absorb specific wavelengths of light. This absorption occurs when electrons in the gas atoms transition from lower energy levels to higher energy levels. As a result, certain wavelengths of light are missing from the continuous spectrum, creating dark lines in the spectrum. These dark lines correspond to the specific wavelengths that were absorbed by the gas, indicating the presence of the gas and its composition.
22.
The visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum can be divided into six color bands of Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Violet (from long to short wavelength). A single photon of which of these colors has the greatest amount of energy?
Correct Answer
B. Violet
Explanation
Violet light has the greatest amount of energy among the given colors. This is because violet light has the shortest wavelength in the visible spectrum, and according to the wave-particle duality of light, shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy photons. Therefore, a single photon of violet light carries the greatest amount of energy compared to photons of other colors.
23.
The fact that the speed of light is constant (as it travels through a vacuum) means that
Correct Answer
A. pHotons with longer wavelengths have lower frequencies
Explanation
The statement that "photons with longer wavelengths have lower frequencies" is true because the frequency of a wave is inversely proportional to its wavelength. This means that as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases. Since light waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation, this relationship holds true for photons as well. Therefore, photons with longer wavelengths will have lower frequencies.
24.
The number of ___________ in the nucleus determines what element the nucleus is.
Correct Answer
A. Protons
Explanation
The number of protons in the nucleus determines what element the nucleus is because each element has a unique number of protons. This number is known as the atomic number and it defines the identity of the element. The number of protons also determines the charge of the nucleus, as protons have a positive charge.
25.
The emission and absorption lines of a given atom occur at the exact same energies.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The emission and absorption lines of a given atom occurring at the exact same energies is true because when an electron in an atom absorbs energy, it jumps to a higher energy level. This energy is released when the electron returns to its original energy level, resulting in the emission of light at specific wavelengths. The energy difference between the energy levels corresponds to the specific wavelengths of light absorbed and emitted, leading to the occurrence of emission and absorption lines at the exact same energies.
26.
The Doppler shift can be used to determine the _________ of an object.
Correct Answer
D. Radial velocity
Explanation
The Doppler shift refers to the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave as observed by an observer moving relative to the source of the wave. In the context of determining the radial velocity of an object, the Doppler shift can be used to measure the change in frequency or wavelength of the object's emitted radiation. By analyzing this shift, scientists can determine the radial velocity, or the velocity of the object along the line of sight of the observer. Therefore, the correct answer is radial velocity.
27.
Infrared astronomy is often done from high-flying aircraft because
Correct Answer
E. Infrared radiation is absorbed low in Earth's atmospHere by CO2 and water vapor.
28.
Absolute zero is
Correct Answer
B. The temperature at which atoms have no remaining energy from which we can extract heat.
Explanation
Absolute zero is the temperature at which atoms have no remaining energy from which we can extract heat. This means that at absolute zero, the atoms in a substance have come to a complete stop and have no kinetic energy. It is the lowest possible temperature and is equivalent to -273.15 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, all molecular motion ceases, making it impossible to extract any more heat from the substance.
29.
By what mechanism does radiation reach the Sun's surface from its interior?
Correct Answer
A. Convection
Explanation
Convection is the mechanism by which radiation reaches the Sun's surface from its interior. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluid or gas. In the Sun, hot plasma rises from the interior towards the surface, carrying energy and heat with it. As the plasma reaches the surface, it cools down and sinks back towards the interior, completing the convection cycle. This process allows the energy generated in the Sun's core through nuclear fusion to be transported to the surface and eventually radiated out into space.
30.
High temperatures are required to get H nuclei to fuse because they ________ one another because of their __________ electric charges.
Correct Answer
B. Repel, positive
Explanation
H nuclei have positive charges, so they repel each other due to their like charges. To overcome this repulsion and bring the nuclei close enough for fusion to occur, high temperatures are required.
31.
Stars of similar temperatures but different sizes
Correct Answer
B. Will have similar spectral types but different luminosities
Explanation
Stars of similar temperatures but different sizes will have similar spectral types but different luminosities. This is because the spectral type of a star is determined by its temperature, while its luminosity is influenced by its size. Stars with similar temperatures will have similar spectral types, but their luminosities will vary depending on their sizes. Larger stars will have higher luminosities than smaller stars of the same temperature. Therefore, stars of similar temperatures but different sizes will have similar spectral types but different luminosities.
32.
If a star's distance is 10 pc, what is its parallax?
Correct Answer
A. 0.1 arcsec
Explanation
The parallax of a star is the apparent shift in its position as observed from different points in Earth's orbit. The parallax is inversely proportional to the distance of the star, so if a star's distance is 10 pc (parsecs), its parallax would be 0.1 arcsec (arcseconds). This means that the star's position would appear to shift by 0.1 arcseconds when observed from different points in Earth's orbit.
33.
The sun's magnetic field is evident in the looped shapes of
Correct Answer
B. Solar prominences.
Explanation
Solar prominences are large, looped structures of plasma that are suspended above the surface of the Sun by its magnetic field. These prominences are often visible during solar eclipses as they extend outwards from the Sun's surface. The looped shapes of solar prominences are a direct result of the Sun's magnetic field, which guides and shapes the plasma. Therefore, the presence of looped shapes in solar flares, granules, sunspots, and the corona cannot be attributed to the Sun's magnetic field as directly as it can be in the case of solar prominences.
34.
Which of the following is the most common type of star?
Correct Answer
C. Main Sequence
Explanation
The most common type of star is the Main Sequence. Main Sequence stars are in the middle of their life cycle and are characterized by their stable fusion of hydrogen into helium in their cores. They range in size and temperature, with smaller and cooler stars being more common than larger and hotter ones. Main Sequence stars, like our Sun, make up about 90% of all stars in the universe.
35.
What are the two most important intrinsic properties used to classify stars?
Correct Answer
D. Luminosity and surface temperature.
Explanation
Luminosity and surface temperature are the two most important intrinsic properties used to classify stars. Luminosity refers to the total amount of energy a star emits, while surface temperature indicates the temperature of the star's outer layer. These properties help astronomers determine the size, age, and evolutionary stage of a star. Distance is not an intrinsic property and can vary depending on the location of the observer. Color, although related to surface temperature, is not as fundamental in star classification as luminosity and surface temperature.
36.
Select the order of star color in increasing temperature from cool to hot.
Correct Answer
A. Red, yellow, blue
Explanation
The order of star color in increasing temperature from cool to hot is red, yellow, blue. This is because red stars are the coolest, with temperatures around 3,500 to 4,000 Kelvin. Yellow stars like our Sun are hotter than red stars, with temperatures around 5,000 to 6,000 Kelvin. Blue stars are the hottest, with temperatures above 10,000 Kelvin. Therefore, the correct order is red, yellow, blue.
37.
Which of the following layers of the Sun makes up the majority of its interior?
Correct Answer
D. The radiative zone
Explanation
The radiative zone is the correct answer because it is the layer of the Sun that is located between the core and the convective zone. It is primarily responsible for the transfer of energy through radiation. The majority of the Sun's interior is composed of this layer, which is characterized by high temperatures and intense pressure. In the radiative zone, energy generated in the core is transported through the process of radiation before reaching the convective zone and eventually the photosphere.
38.
Granulation is caused by
Correct Answer
E. Rising gas below the pHotospHere.
Explanation
Granulation refers to the pattern of small bright cells on the surface of the sun, which are caused by the convective motion of gases below the photosphere. As hot gas rises from the interior of the sun, it cools and sinks back down, creating a cycle of rising and falling gas. This convective motion is responsible for the granular appearance of the sun's surface. The other options, such as heating in the chromosphere, shock waves in the corona, the solar wind, and sunspots, are not directly related to the formation of granulation.
39.
How long does the sunspots cycle last, on average?
Correct Answer
D. About 11 years.
Explanation
The sunspots cycle refers to the periodic variation in the number of sunspots on the Sun's surface. On average, this cycle lasts about 11 years. This means that over the course of approximately 11 years, the number of sunspots goes through a cycle of increasing and decreasing.
40.
Magnetic fields inside sunspots are ______________those in surrounding regions.
Correct Answer
A. Much stronger than
Explanation
Sunspots are dark areas on the surface of the Sun that are caused by intense magnetic activity. The magnetic fields inside sunspots are much stronger than those in the surrounding regions. This is because sunspots are areas where the magnetic field lines are concentrated, causing a decrease in temperature and a reduction in the flow of energy. The strong magnetic fields in sunspots can have a significant impact on solar activity, such as the formation of solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
41.
Which of these are not associated with the active Sun?
Correct Answer
B. Granulation
Explanation
Granulation is not associated with the active Sun because it refers to the small, grain-like features visible on the surface of the Sun caused by convective motion. While granulation is a characteristic feature of the Sun, it is not directly related to its activity. On the other hand, aurora, sunspots, prominences, and flares are all associated with the active Sun and are caused by various phenomena such as magnetic fields and solar storms.
42.
Star A has higher luminosity than Star B, but is farther away. Which has higher apparent brightness?
Correct Answer
C. Could be either, depending on their specific luminosities and distances.
Explanation
The apparent brightness of a star depends on both its luminosity and its distance from the observer. If Star A has a higher luminosity than Star B but is farther away, it is possible that Star A could have a higher apparent brightness. However, without specific information about the luminosities and distances of the two stars, it is impossible to determine which one has a higher apparent brightness.
43.
Neutrinos are created in reaction in the _____________ of the sun.
Correct Answer
B. Core
Explanation
Neutrinos are created in reactions in the core of the sun. The core is the central region of the sun where nuclear fusion occurs, converting hydrogen into helium and releasing a tremendous amount of energy. During this process, neutrinos are produced as byproducts. The core is the hottest and densest part of the sun, making it the ideal location for these reactions to take place and for neutrinos to be generated.
44.
A faster-moving star in a binary is the
Correct Answer
B. Less massive star
Explanation
In a binary star system, the speed of a star is determined by its mass. The more massive star has a stronger gravitational pull, causing the less massive star to orbit around it at a faster speed. Therefore, the correct answer is "less massive star."
45.
Binary (double) stars can be detected by
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "all of the above" because binary (double) stars can be detected through multiple methods. They can be observed as two separate stars with a telescope, where their individual components can be distinguished. Additionally, one star may appear to travel in a wiggly path across the sky due to its gravitational interaction with its companion star. Another indication of binary stars is when one star dims abruptly as the other passes in front of it, causing an eclipse-like effect. Finally, pairs of absorption lines seen in the spectrum of what appears to be one star can indicate the presence of a binary system.
46.
Magnetic field is continuously produced and deformed in the Sun by
Correct Answer
C. Differential rotation
Explanation
The correct answer is differential rotation. This is because the Sun's magnetic field is continuously produced and deformed due to the differential rotation of its layers. The Sun rotates faster at the equator than at the poles, causing the magnetic field lines to become twisted and tangled. This differential rotation generates a dynamo effect, where the movement of electrically conducting material in the Sun's interior generates and amplifies the magnetic field. Therefore, the continuous rotation of different layers of the Sun is responsible for the production and deformation of its magnetic field.
47.
The light we see from the Sun comes from which layer?
Correct Answer
B. pHotospHere
Explanation
The photosphere is the layer of the Sun that emits the light we see. It is the outermost layer of the Sun's interior and is responsible for producing the visible light that reaches Earth. The photosphere has a temperature of around 5,500 degrees Celsius and is composed mainly of hydrogen gas. It is also the layer where sunspots, solar flares, and other solar activities occur.
48.
Star E is the same temperature as star F but is four times as luminous. Which star is bigger?
Correct Answer
C. Star E is twice as big as star F
Explanation
The luminosity of a star is directly related to its size. Since star E is four times as luminous as star F, it means that star E is also four times as big as star F. Therefore, star E is twice as big as star F.
49.
Which type of binaries are found via Doppler shifts?
Correct Answer
E. Spectroscopic binaries
Explanation
Spectroscopic binaries are found via Doppler shifts. Doppler shifts occur when the light emitted from a star is either redshifted or blueshifted due to the motion of the star towards or away from the observer. In the case of spectroscopic binaries, the Doppler shifts in the spectral lines of the star indicate that it is part of a binary system, where two stars orbit around a common center of mass. By analyzing the changes in the spectral lines over time, astronomers can determine the orbital parameters and properties of the binary system.
50.
What is the difference between brightness and luminosity?
Correct Answer
B. Brightness is how we see a star; luminosity is how much light it emits
Explanation
Brightness refers to the perceived intensity of light from a star as it appears to our eyes. It is subjective and depends on factors like distance and atmospheric conditions. On the other hand, luminosity is an objective measure of the total amount of light energy emitted by a star. It is a property of the star itself and is independent of its distance from us or any other external factors. Therefore, brightness and luminosity are different because brightness is how we perceive a star's light, while luminosity is the actual amount of light it emits.