Do You Know Astronomy? Play This Quiz

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Do You Know Astronomy? Play This Quiz - Quiz

Chapter four and five of the astronomy book we are using covers a lot of information that needs to be remembered before the midterms and the quiz below will help you understand the concepts a little better. Give it a shot to refresh your memory and share it with classmates.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    ______________ has (have) wavelengths that are longer than visible light.

    • A.

      Gamma Rays

    • B.

      Ultraviolet Light

    • C.

      Infrared Radiation

    • D.

      X Rays

    • E.

      A, B, and D above.

    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.

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  • 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?

    • A.

      Star D appears twice as bright as star C

    • B.

      Star C appears twice as bright as star D

    • C.

      Star C appears four times as bright as star D

    • D.

      Star D appears four times as bright as star C

    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.

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  • 3. 

    You research the star Sirius and find that its spectral lines are blue shifted. What does this tell you about Sirius?

    • A.

      It has a transverse velocity that is toward us.

    • B.

      Its surface temperature is higher than that of the Sun.

    • C.

      It has a radial velocity that is toward us.

    • D.

      It has a radial velocity that is away from us.

    • E.

      It has a transverse velocity that is away from us.

    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.

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  • 4. 

    The wavelength of maximum intensity that is emitted by a black body is

    • A.

      Proportional to temperature

    • B.

      Inversely proportional to temperature

    • C.

      Proportional to temperature to the fourth power

    • D.

      Inversely proportional to temperature to the fourth power

    • E.

      Both a and c above

    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.

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  • 5. 

    Of the following, which color represents the lowest surface temperature star?

    • A.

      Yellow

    • B.

      Blue

    • C.

      Orange

    • D.

      Red

    • E.

      White

    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.

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  • 6. 

    Ultraviolet radiation is hard to observe primarily because

    • A.

      The Earth's atmosphere easily absorbs it at the upper atmosphere

    • B.

      Very few objects emit at ultraviolet wavelengths

    • C.

      No space-based telescopes operate at ultraviolet wavelengths

    • D.

      Only the lowest mass stars emit ultraviolet light

    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.

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  • 7. 

    The ________________ of a telescope is a measure of its ability to show fine detail and depends on the diameter of the objective.

    • A.

      Spherical Aberration

    • B.

      Focal Length

    • C.

      Resolving Power

    • D.

      Magnifying Power

    • E.

      Light-Gathering Power

    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.

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  • 8. 

    Radio telescopes are often connected together to do interferometry. What is the primary problem overcome by radio interferometry?

    • A.

      Poor light gathering power.

    • B.

      Poor resolving power.

    • C.

      Poor magnifying power.

    • D.

      Interference from nearby sources of radio waves.

    • E.

      The low energy of radio photons.

    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.

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  • 9. 

    The Arecibo Observatory is:

    • A.

      A radio observatory

    • B.

      An adaptive optics observatory

    • C.

      An X-ray observatory

    • D.

      A large optical observatory

    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.

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  • 10. 

    What is the name of the effect when an electromagnetic wave is bent as it passes from one material into another?

    • A.

      Defraction

    • B.

      Refraction

    • C.

      Red Shift

    • D.

      Reflection

    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.

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  • 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?

    • A.

      Visible and Ultraviolet

    • B.

      Visible & Radio

    • C.

      Microwave & Radio

    • D.

      Ultraviolet & Infrared

    • E.

      X-ray & Gamma-ray

    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.

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  • 12. 

    Which electron energy level transition corresponds to a hydrogen atom absorbing a visible-light photon that has a wavelength of 656 nanometers?

    • A.

      The electron makes the transition from energy level 3 to energy level 2.

    • B.

      The electron makes the transition from energy level 2 to energy level 3.

    • C.

      The electron makes the transition from energy level 2 to energy level 1.

    • D.

      The electron makes the transition from energy level 1 to energy level 2.

    • E.

      The electron makes the transition from energy level 3 to energy level 4.

    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.

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  • 13. 

    The reason to prefer a reflecting over a refracting telescope is its

    • A.

      Lack of chromatic aberration

    • B.

      Shorter length for the same aperture size

    • C.

      Lighter weight for larger apertures

    • D.

      All of the above are valid reasons

    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.

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  • 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

    • A.

      The solar wind

    • B.

      Planetary nebula

    • C.

      The early universe

    • D.

      Brown dwarf stars

    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.

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  • 15. 

    The lowest energy level in an atom is

    • A.

      The absolute zero temperature.

    • B.

      The ground state.

    • C.

      The ionization level.

    • D.

      Responsible for Doppler shifts.

    • E.

      The energy level from which the Paschen Series of hydrogen originates.

    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.

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  • 16. 

    Ultraviolet radiation from a star

    • A.

      Will not penetrate Earth's atmosphere and reach the ground.

    • B.

      Has a wavelength that is longer than the visible light emitted by the star.

    • C.

      Has a wavelength that is shorter than the X-rays emitted by the star.

    • D.

      A and b

    • E.

      B and c

    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.

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  • 17. 

    What is the wavelength of the longest wavelength light visible to the human eye?

    • A.

      400 nm

    • B.

      7000 nm

    • C.

      3x108 m

    • D.

      700 nm

    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.

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  • 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.

    • A.

      A bright (emission) line

    • B.

      Continuous

    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.

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  • 19. 

    The most massive part of the atom is (are) the ___________which has (have) a ___________charge

    • A.

      Electrons, negative

    • B.

      Nucleus, negative

    • C.

      Nucleus, positive

    • D.

      Electrons, positive

    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.

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  • 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?

    • A.

      Star D

    • B.

      Star C

    • C.

      Star E

    • D.

      Star A

    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.

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  • 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.

    • A.

      A dark (absorption) line

    • B.

      A bright (emission) line

    • C.

      Continuous

    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.

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  • 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?

    • A.

      Green

    • B.

      Violet

    • C.

      Red

    • D.

      Blue

    • E.

      Orange

    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.

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  • 23. 

    The fact that the speed of light is constant (as it travels through a vacuum) means that

    • A.

      Photons with longer wavelengths have lower frequencies

    • B.

      Radio wave photons have shorter wavelengths than gamma ray photons

    • C.

      X-rays can be transmitted through the atmosphere around the world

    • D.

      All of the above are true

    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.

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  • 24. 

    The number of ___________ in the nucleus determines what element the nucleus is.

    • A.

      Protons

    • B.

      All of these determines the element

    • C.

      Electrons

    • D.

      None of these determines the element

    • E.

      Neutrons

    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.

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  • 25. 

    The emission and absorption lines of a given atom occur at the exact same energies.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    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.

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  • 26. 

    The Doppler shift can be used to determine the _________ of an object.

    • A.

      Temperature

    • B.

      No radiation

    • C.

      Energy

    • D.

      Radial velocity

    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.

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  • 27. 

    Infrared astronomy is often done from high-flying aircraft because

    • A.

      Infrared telescopes only need to get above the ozone layer.

    • B.

      Infrared photons are quite energetic.

    • C.

      Infrared sources are very bright.

    • D.

      Infrared telescopes are not very heavy.

    • E.

      Infrared radiation is absorbed low in Earth's atmosphere by CO2 and water vapor.

    Correct Answer
    E. Infrared radiation is absorbed low in Earth's atmosphere by CO2 and water vapor.
  • 28. 

    Absolute zero is

    • A.

      Zero degrees Celsius.

    • B.

      The temperature at which atoms have no remaining energy from which we can extract heat.

    • C.

      The temperature at which water freezes.

    • D.

      Both a and c

    • E.

      None of the above

    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.

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  • 29. 

    By what mechanism does radiation reach the Sun's surface from its interior?

    • A.

      Convection

    • B.

      Neutrinos

    • C.

      The solar wind

    • D.

      Ionization

    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.

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  • 30. 

    High temperatures are required to get H nuclei to fuse because they ________ one another because of their __________ electric charges.

    • A.

      Attract, negative

    • B.

      Repel, positive

    • C.

      Attract, positive

    • D.

      Repel, negative

    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.

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  • 31. 

    Stars of similar temperatures but different sizes

    • A.

      Will have similar luminosities but different masses

    • B.

      Will have similar spectral types but different luminosities

    • C.

      Will have different spectral types but similar luminosities

    • D.

      Will have similar masses but different distances

    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.

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  • 32. 

    If a star's distance is 10 pc, what is its parallax?

    • A.

      0.1 arcsec

    • B.

      0.01 arcsec

    • C.

      0.05 arcsec

    • D.

      0.5 arcsec

    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.

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  • 33. 

    The sun's magnetic field is evident in the looped shapes of

    • A.

      Solar flares.

    • B.

      Solar prominences.

    • C.

      Granules.

    • D.

      Sunspots.

    • E.

      The corona.

    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.

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  • 34. 

    Which of the following is the most common type of star?

    • A.

      White dwarfs

    • B.

      Red giants

    • C.

      Main Sequence

    • D.

      Supergiants

    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.

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  • 35. 

    What are the two most important intrinsic properties used to classify stars?

    • A.

      Distance and luminosity.

    • B.

      Distance and surface temperature.

    • C.

      Distance and color.

    • D.

      Luminosity and surface temperature.

    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.

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  • 36. 

    Select the order of star color in increasing temperature from cool to hot.

    • A.

      Red, yellow, blue

    • B.

      Red, blue, yellow

    • C.

      Yellow, blue, red

    • D.

      Blue, red, yellow

    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.

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  • 37. 

    Which of the following layers of the Sun makes up the majority of its interior?    

    • A.

      The photosphere

    • B.

      The core

    • C.

      The convective zone

    • D.

      The radiative zone

    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.

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  • 38. 

    Granulation is caused by

    • A.

      The heating in the chromosphere.

    • B.

      Shock waves in the corona.

    • C.

      The solar wind flowing away from the corona.

    • D.

      Sunspots.

    • E.

      Rising gas below the photosphere.

    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.

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  • 39. 

    How long does the sunspots cycle last, on average?

    • A.

      365.25 days.

    • B.

      Between 25 and 35 days.

    • C.

      About seven years.

    • D.

      About 11 years.

    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.

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  • 40. 

    Magnetic fields inside sunspots are ______________those in surrounding regions.

    • A.

      Much stronger than

    • B.

      Much weaker than

    • C.

      Slightly stronger than

    • D.

      The same as

    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.

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  • 41. 

    Which of these are not associated with the active Sun?

    • A.

      Aurora

    • B.

      Granulation

    • C.

      Sunspots

    • D.

      Prominences

    • E.

      Flares

    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.

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  • 42. 

    Star A has higher luminosity than Star B, but is farther away. Which has higher apparent brightness?

    • A.

      Star A.

    • B.

      Star B

    • C.

      Could be either, depending on their specific luminosities and distances.

    • D.

      Impossible to determine.

    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.

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  • 43. 

    Neutrinos are created in reaction in the _____________ of the sun.

    • A.

      Corona

    • B.

      Core

    • C.

      Photosphere

    • D.

      Chromosphere

    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.

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  • 44. 

    A faster-moving star in a binary is the

    • A.

      More massive star

    • B.

      Less massive star

    • C.

      More distant of the two stars

    • D.

      Hotter star

    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."

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  • 45. 

    Binary (double) stars can be detected by

    • A.

      Being seen as two separate stars with a telescope

    • B.

      One star traveling a wiggly proper motion path across the sky

    • C.

      One star dimming abruptly as another passes in front of it

    • D.

      Pairs of absorption lines seen in the spectrum of what appears to be one star

    • E.

      All of the above

    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.

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  • 46. 

    Magnetic field is continuously produced and deformed in the Sun by    

    • A.

      A liquid conducting layer in the interior

    • B.

      Fusion reactions in the core

    • C.

      Differential rotation

    • D.

      This is a trick question. The solar magnetic field is primordial.

    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.

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  • 47. 

    The light we see from the Sun comes from which layer?    

    • A.

      Chromosphere

    • B.

      Photosphere

    • C.

      Convective zone

    • D.

      Corona

    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.

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  • 48. 

    Star E is the same temperature as star F but is four times as luminous. Which star is bigger?    

    • A.

      Star E is four times as big as star F

    • B.

      Star F is twice as big as star E

    • C.

      Star E is twice as big as star F

    • D.

      Star F is four times as big as star E

    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.

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  • 49. 

    Which type of binaries are found via Doppler shifts?    

    • A.

      Astrometric binaries

    • B.

      Eclipsing binaries

    • C.

      Visual binaries

    • D.

      Photometric binaries

    • E.

      Spectroscopic binaries

    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.

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  • 50. 

    What is the difference between brightness and luminosity?

    • A.

      These are different names for the same property

    • B.

      Brightness is how we see a star; luminosity is how much light it emits

    • C.

      Luminosity is how we see a star; brightness is how much light it emits

    • D.

      Luminosity measures size; brightness measures temperature

    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.

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Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 02, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Smatrypants
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