A Quiz On Astronomy For Pros

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  • 1/386 Questions

    When a rock is held above the ground, we say it has some potential energy. When we let it go, it falls and we say the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. Finally, the rock hits the ground (and stays there). What has happened to the energy? [Hint]

    • The energy goes to producing sound and to heating the ground, rock, and surrounding air.
    • The rock keeps the energy inside it in the form of mass-energy.
    • It is transformed back into gravitational potential energy.
    • The energy goes into the ground, and as a result, the orbit of the Earth about the Sun is slightly changed.
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A Quiz On Astronomy For Pros - Quiz
About This Quiz

Have you always wanted to follow a professional career in astronomy? If so, you can test out how qualified you are to go into the field by taking the challenging quiz below that only true professionals can pass with ease. Believe in yourself and tackle it. All the best and enjoy!

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  • 2. 

    A television advertisement claiming that a product is light-years ahead of its time does not make sense because _________.

    • It uses "light-years" to talk about time, but a light-year is a unit of distance

    • Light-years can only be used to talk about light

    • A light-year is an astronomically large unit, so a product could not possibly be so advanced

    • It doesn't specify the number of light-years

    Correct Answer
    A. It uses "light-years" to talk about time, but a light-year is a unit of distance
    Explanation
    The answer is "it uses 'light-years' to talk about time, but a light-year is a unit of distance." This is because a light-year is a measurement of the distance light travels in one year, not a unit of time. Therefore, it doesn't make sense to use light-years to describe how advanced a product is in terms of time.

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  • 3. 

    The ancient Greeks get a lot of attention for their contributions to science because _________. [Hint]

    • They were the first people known to try to explain nature with models based on reason, mathematics, and geometry, without resort to the supernatural

    • They were the first people to realize that Earth is a planet orbiting the Sun

    • They were the only ancient culture that kept written records of their astronomical observations

    • The books of every other culture were lost in the destruction of the library of Alexandria

    Correct Answer
    A. They were the first people known to try to explain nature with models based on reason, mathematics, and geometry, without resort to the supernatural
    Explanation
    The ancient Greeks get a lot of attention for their contributions to science because they were the first people known to try to explain nature with models based on reason, mathematics, and geometry, without resort to the supernatural. This approach to understanding the natural world laid the foundation for modern scientific inquiry and has greatly influenced scientific thought and methodology throughout history.

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  • 4. 

    According to modern science, approximately how old is the Sun? [Hint]

    • 10,000 years

    • 4.6 billion years

    • 25 million years

    • 400 million years.

    Correct Answer
    A. 4.6 billion years
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 4.6 billion years. This age is determined through various scientific methods, such as studying the radioactive decay of elements in meteorites and rocks. These methods indicate that the Sun and the solar system formed around 4.6 billion years ago. This age is consistent with the age of the oldest rocks on Earth and the Moon, as well as the ages of other objects in the solar system.

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  • 5. 

    Astronomers infer that the universe is expanding because distant galaxies all appear to _________. [Hint]

    • Be moving away from us, with more distant ones moving faster

    • Be growing in size

    • Be made of dark matter

    • Rotate rapidly

    Correct Answer
    A. Be moving away from us, with more distant ones moving faster
    Explanation
    Astronomers infer that the universe is expanding because distant galaxies all appear to be moving away from us, with more distant ones moving faster. This observation is based on the redshift of light emitted by galaxies, which indicates that the wavelengths of the light are stretched as the galaxies move away from us. This is consistent with the idea that the space between galaxies is expanding, causing them to move apart from each other. The observation of greater redshift in more distant galaxies supports the notion that the expansion of the universe is accelerating.

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  • 6. 

    Scientific thinking is _________. [Hint]

    • An ancient mode of thinking first invented in Egypt

    • Completely different from any other type of thinking

    • Based on everyday ideas of observation and trial-and-error experiments

    • A difficult process that only a handful of people can do well

    Correct Answer
    A. Based on everyday ideas of observation and trial-and-error experiments
    Explanation
    Scientific thinking is based on everyday ideas of observation and trial-and-error experiments. This means that it involves using our senses to gather information and making observations, as well as conducting experiments to test hypotheses and learn from the results. It is not an ancient mode of thinking first invented in Egypt, nor is it completely different from any other type of thinking. Additionally, it is not a difficult process that only a handful of people can do well, as anyone can engage in scientific thinking with practice and an open mindset.

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  • 7. 

    Suppose you kick a soccer ball straight up to a height of 10 meters. Which of the following is true about the gravitational potential energy of the ball during its flight? [Hint]

    • The ball's gravitational potential energy is greatest at the instant when the ball is at its highest point.

    • The ball's gravitational potential energy is always the same.

    • The ball's gravitational potential energy is greatest at the instant the ball leaves your foot.

    • The ball's gravitational potential energy is greatest at the instant it returns to hit the ground.

    Correct Answer
    A. The ball's gravitational potential energy is greatest at the instant when the ball is at its highest point.
    Explanation
    The ball's gravitational potential energy is greatest at the instant when the ball is at its highest point. This is because gravitational potential energy is directly related to the height of an object above the ground. As the ball is kicked straight up, it gains potential energy due to its increasing height. At its highest point, the ball has reached its maximum height and therefore has the highest potential energy. As it falls back down towards the ground, its potential energy decreases.

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  • 8. 

    If our year were twice as long (that is, if Earth took twice as many days to complete each orbit around the Sun), but Earth's rotation period and axis tilt were unchanged, then _________. [Hint]

    • The four seasons would each be twice as long as they are now

    • The cycle of precession would take 13,000 years instead of 26,000 years

    • The Earth would not have seasons

    • Stars would take twice as long to rise and set

    Correct Answer
    A. The four seasons would each be twice as long as they are now
    Explanation
    If our year were twice as long, it means that Earth would take twice as many days to complete each orbit around the Sun. However, Earth's rotation period and axis tilt remain unchanged. This means that the cycle of the four seasons would also be affected. Each season would be twice as long as they are now, resulting in longer periods of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

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  • 9. 

    Scientific models are used to _________. [Hint]

    • Prove that past paradigms no longer hold true

    • Make specific predictions that can be tested through observations or experiments

    • Present the solar system to the general public

    • Make miniature representations of the universe

    Correct Answer
    A. Make specific predictions that can be tested through observations or experiments
    Explanation
    Scientific models are used to make specific predictions that can be tested through observations or experiments. These models are created based on existing knowledge and understanding of a particular phenomenon or system. By using these models, scientists can make predictions about how the phenomenon or system will behave under certain conditions. These predictions can then be tested through observations or experiments to validate the accuracy and reliability of the model. This process allows scientists to gain a better understanding of the natural world and make advancements in various fields of science.

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  • 10. 

    The difference between speed and velocity is that _________. [Hint]

    • Velocity also includes a direction

    • Velocity is the same as acceleration whereas speed is different

    • They are expressed in different units

    • Velocity is calculated using a physics equation

    Correct Answer
    A. Velocity also includes a direction
    Explanation
    The difference between speed and velocity is that velocity also includes a direction. While speed only refers to the magnitude of the object's motion, velocity takes into account both the magnitude and the direction in which the object is moving. This means that two objects can have the same speed but different velocities if they are moving in different directions.

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  • 11. 

    The energy attributed to an object by virtue of its motion is known as _________. [Hint]

    • Radiative energy

    • Kinetic energy

    • Mass-energy

    • Potential energy

    Correct Answer
    A. Kinetic energy
    Explanation
    Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. When an object is in motion, it has the ability to do work and transfer energy. The amount of kinetic energy an object has depends on its mass and velocity. As the object's speed increases, its kinetic energy also increases. Therefore, the correct answer is kinetic energy.

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  • 12. 

    What two physical processes balance each other to create the condition known as gravitational equilibrium in stars? [Hint]

    • The gravitational force and outward pressure

    • The strong force and the electromagnetic force

    • The strong force and the weak force

    • The gravitational force and surface tension

    Correct Answer
    A. The gravitational force and outward pressure
    Explanation
    In stars, the gravitational force pulls inward, while the outward pressure from nuclear fusion pushes outward. These two forces balance each other out, creating a condition known as gravitational equilibrium. This equilibrium is crucial for maintaining the stability and structure of stars.

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  • 13. 

    Which of the following lists the planets of our solar system in the correct order from closest to farthest from the Sun? [Hint]

    • Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto

    • Earth, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto

    • Mercury, Venus, Mars, Earth, Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto

    • Mercury, Earth, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto

    Correct Answer
    A. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. This is the correct order of the planets in our solar system from closest to farthest from the Sun.

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  • 14. 

    What is a white dwarf? [Hint]

    • It is a main sequence star of spectral type F, which tends to look white in color.

    • It is the remains of a star, composed mostly of carbon, that no longer produces energy by nuclear fusion.

    • It is a star that follows a period-luminosity relation.

    • It is a type of star that produces energy by gravitational contraction.

    Correct Answer
    A. It is the remains of a star, composed mostly of carbon, that no longer produces energy by nuclear fusion.
    Explanation
    A white dwarf is the remains of a star that is composed mostly of carbon and no longer produces energy through nuclear fusion.

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  • 15. 

    How are galaxies important to our existence? [Hint]

    • Galaxies recycle material from one generation of stars to the next, and without this recycling we could not exist.

    • Without galaxies, the universe could not be expanding.

    • Deep in their centers, galaxies created the elements from which we are made.

    • Without galaxies, there could not have been a Big Bang.

    Correct Answer
    A. Galaxies recycle material from one generation of stars to the next, and without this recycling we could not exist.
    Explanation
    Galaxies are important to our existence because they recycle material from one generation of stars to the next. This recycling process is crucial for the formation of new stars and planetary systems, including our own. Without galaxies, this recycling would not occur, and the necessary elements for life, such as carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, would not be available. Therefore, our existence and the existence of other living organisms depend on the recycling of materials within galaxies.

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  • 16. 

    How long would it take to count all the stars in the Milky Way Galaxy at a rate of one star per second? [Hint]

    • Several years

    • Several thousand years

    • Several days

    • Several weeks

    Correct Answer
    A. Several thousand years
    Explanation
    Counting all the stars in the Milky Way Galaxy at a rate of one star per second would take several thousand years. The Milky Way Galaxy is estimated to contain between 100 billion and 400 billion stars, so counting them individually would be an extremely time-consuming task.

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  • 17. 

    What practical value did astronomy offer to ancient civilizations? [Hint]

    • It helped them keep track of time and seasons, and it was used by some cultures for navigation.

    • It allowed them to predict eclipses with great accuracy.

    • It helped them understand our cosmic origins.

    • It helped them find uses for ancient structures like Stonehenge.

    Correct Answer
    A. It helped them keep track of time and seasons, and it was used by some cultures for navigation.
    Explanation
    Astronomy offered practical value to ancient civilizations by enabling them to keep track of time and seasons, as well as aiding in navigation for some cultures.

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  • 18. 

    How is Einstein's famous equation, E = mc2, important in understanding the Sun? [Hint]

    • It explains why the Sun is so massive.

    • It explains the fact that the Sun generates thermal energy by losing some 4 million tons of mass each day.

    • It explains why the Sun has a magnetic field strong enough influence the atmospheres of the planets.

    • It explains why the Sun's surface temperature is about 6,000 °C.

    Correct Answer
    A. It explains the fact that the Sun generates thermal energy by losing some 4 million tons of mass each day.
    Explanation
    Einstein's famous equation, E = mc2, is important in understanding the Sun because it explains the fact that the Sun generates thermal energy by losing some 4 million tons of mass each day. This equation shows the equivalence between mass and energy, stating that a small amount of mass can be converted into a large amount of energy. In the case of the Sun, the mass lost through nuclear fusion reactions is converted into thermal energy, which powers the Sun and allows it to emit light and heat.

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  • 19. 

    The reason that small planets tend to lose interior heat faster than larger planets is essentially the same as the reason that _________. [Hint]

    • Earth contains more metal than the Moon

    • A large baked potato takes longer to cool than a small baked potato

    • Gas bubbles form and rise upward in boiling water

    • Thunderstorms tend to form on hot summer days

    Correct Answer
    A. A large baked potato takes longer to cool than a small baked potato
    Explanation
    Small planets tend to lose interior heat faster than larger planets because they have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio. Similarly, a large baked potato takes longer to cool than a small baked potato because it has a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio, which means it has less surface area available for heat to escape.

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  • 20. 

    The fundamental nuclear reaction occurring in the core of the Sun is _________. [Hint]

    • Nuclear fusion of helium to carbon

    • Radioactive decay

    • Nuclear fusion of hydrogen to helium

    • Nuclear fission

    Correct Answer
    A. Nuclear fusion of hydrogen to helium
    Explanation
    The correct answer is nuclear fusion of hydrogen to helium. In the core of the Sun, hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium through a process called nuclear fusion. This reaction releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat, which powers the Sun and allows it to shine. Nuclear fusion of helium to carbon does occur in the Sun, but it is a secondary reaction that happens in the outer layers. Radioactive decay and nuclear fission are not the primary reactions occurring in the core of the Sun.

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  • 21. 

    Each part below describes how a few astronomical phenomena are related to time periods. Which list is correct? (Careful: some lists are partially correct.)

    • The Earth's rotation defines a day. The cycle of the Moon's phases takes about a month. The Earth's orbit defines a year. The Earth's cycle of axis precession takes 26,000 years.

    • The Earth's rotation defines a day. The saros cycle of eclipses defines a month. The Earth's orbit defines a year. The Earth's cycle of axis precession takes 26,000 years.

    • The Earth's rotation defines a day. The Sun's rotation defines a week. The Moon's rotation defines a month. The Earth's orbit defines a year.

    • The Earth's rotation defines a day. The cycle of the Moon's phases takes about a week. The Earth's orbit defines a year. The Earth's cycle of axis precession defines a month.

    Correct Answer
    A. The Earth's rotation defines a day. The cycle of the Moon's phases takes about a month. The Earth's orbit defines a year. The Earth's cycle of axis precession takes 26,000 years.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the Earth's rotation defines a day, the cycle of the Moon's phases takes about a month, the Earth's orbit defines a year, and the Earth's cycle of axis precession takes 26,000 years. This answer accurately describes the relationship between these astronomical phenomena and their corresponding time periods.

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  • 22. 

    In science, a broad idea that has been repeatedly verified so as to give scientists great confidence that it represents reality is called _________. [Hint]

    • A theory

    • A hypothesis

    • A paradigm

    • A Ptolemaic model

    Correct Answer
    A. A theory
    Explanation
    A theory in science is a broad idea that has been repeatedly verified through experimentation and observation. It is supported by a large body of evidence and has withstood rigorous testing, giving scientists a high level of confidence that it accurately represents reality. Theories are essential in advancing scientific knowledge and understanding, as they provide explanations for natural phenomena and serve as the foundation for further research and exploration.

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  • 23. 

    According to our theory of solar system formation, what are asteroids and comets? [Hint]

    • Chunks of rock or ice that were expelled from planets by volcanoes

    • Leftover planetesimals that never accreted into planets

    • The shattered remains of collisions between planets

    • Chunks of rock or ice that condensed after the planets and moons finished forming

    Correct Answer
    A. Leftover planetesimals that never accreted into planets
    Explanation
    Asteroids and comets are leftover planetesimals that never accreted into planets. This means that during the formation of the solar system, there were small rocky or icy bodies that did not come together to form larger planets. These leftover planetesimals became asteroids and comets, which are still present in the solar system today.

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  • 24. 

    Why does Earth have so little carbon dioxide in its atmosphere compared to Venus? [Hint]

    • Earth has just as much carbon dioxide as Venus, but most of it is locked up in carbonate rocks rather than being free in the atmosphere.

    • Chemical reactions turned Earth's carbon dioxide into nitrogen.

    • Earth once had a lot of carbon dioxide, but it was lost to space during the heavy bombardment early in our solar system's history.

    • Earth's volcanoes outgassed far less carbon dioxide than those on Venus.

    Correct Answer
    A. Earth has just as much carbon dioxide as Venus, but most of it is locked up in carbonate rocks rather than being free in the atmosphere.
    Explanation
    Earth has just as much carbon dioxide as Venus, but most of it is locked up in carbonate rocks rather than being free in the atmosphere. This means that while Venus has a dense atmosphere with a high concentration of carbon dioxide, Earth's carbon dioxide is mostly stored in rocks, resulting in a much lower concentration in the atmosphere.

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  • 25. 

    According to our theory of solar system formation, why did Uranus and Neptune end up to be much less massive than Jupiter and Saturn? [Hint]

    • Particles in the solar nebula were more spread out at greater distances, so that accretion took longer and there was less time to pull in gas before the solar wind cleared the nebula.

    • Ices were able to condense at the distance of Jupiter and Saturn, but only rock and metal could condense at the distances of Uranus and Neptune.

    • The size differences are thought to be a random coincidence.

    • The colder gas in the outer regions of the solar nebula had less gravity and therefore could not gather up into such large balls as it could closer in.

    Correct Answer
    A. Particles in the solar nebula were more spread out at greater distances, so that accretion took longer and there was less time to pull in gas before the solar wind cleared the nebula.
    Explanation
    Particles in the solar nebula were more spread out at greater distances, so that accretion took longer and there was less time to pull in gas before the solar wind cleared the nebula. This means that Uranus and Neptune had less material available to them to accrete and grow, resulting in them being much less massive than Jupiter and Saturn.

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  • 26. 

    The total amount of power (in watts, for example) that a star radiates into space is called its _________. [Hint]

    • Luminosity

    • Absolute magnitude

    • Apparent brightness

    • Flux

    Correct Answer
    A. Luminosity
    Explanation
    Luminosity refers to the total amount of power that a star radiates into space. It is a measure of the star's intrinsic brightness and is often expressed in watts. Luminosity takes into account the star's size and temperature, providing a comprehensive understanding of the star's energy output. This term is commonly used in astronomy to compare the brightness of different stars and understand their energy generation processes.

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  • 27. 

    An astronomical unit (AU) is _________.

    • The average distance between any two planets

    • The average distance between the Sun and Pluto

    • The average distance between the Sun and Earth

    • Any very large unit, such as a light-year

    Correct Answer
    A. The average distance between the Sun and Earth
    Explanation
    An astronomical unit (AU) is the average distance between the Sun and Earth. This unit is used to measure distances within our solar system and is approximately 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers. It provides a convenient reference point for understanding the scale of our solar system and is often used in astronomical calculations and measurements.

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  • 28. 

    How long does it take the Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun?

    • One month

    • One week

    • The time varies significantly depending on the orbit.

    • One day

    • One year

    Correct Answer
    A. One year
    Explanation
    The Earth takes one year to complete one orbit around the Sun. This is because the Earth's orbit is elliptical, and it takes approximately 365.25 days for the Earth to travel around the Sun and return to its starting position. This is why we have leap years every four years to account for the extra quarter day, making it a total of 365 days in a year.

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  • 29. 

    Why do the patterns of the stars in our sky look the same from year to year? [Hint]

    • Although these stars move quite fast by human standards, they are so far away that it would take thousands of years for their motion to be noticeable to the eye.

    • Because these stars are not moving.

    • Because although these stars move quite fast as they orbit around the Milky Way Galaxy, they all move together so they don't change their relative positions.

    • Because although these stars are moving, they move so slowly --- typically about the speed of a snail --- that their motion is not noticeable.

    Correct Answer
    A. Although these stars move quite fast by human standards, they are so far away that it would take thousands of years for their motion to be noticeable to the eye.
    Explanation
    The patterns of the stars in our sky look the same from year to year because although these stars move quite fast by human standards, they are so far away that it would take thousands of years for their motion to be noticeable to the eye.

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  • 30. 

    Stars that are visible in the sky on any clear night of the year, at any time of the night, are called _________. [Hint]

    • Seasonal

    • Circumpolar

    • Bright

    • Celestial

    Correct Answer
    A. Circumpolar
    Explanation
    Stars that are visible in the sky on any clear night of the year, at any time of the night, are called circumpolar. This means that these stars are located close to the celestial pole and do not appear to rise or set as the Earth rotates. They continuously remain above the horizon and can be observed throughout the year.

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  • 31. 

    We describe a location on the Earth's surface by stating its _________. [Hint]

    • Altitude and direction (or azimuth)

    • Latitude and longitude

    • Latitude and direction

    • Meridian and longitude

    Correct Answer
    A. Latitude and longitude
    Explanation
    A location on the Earth's surface is described by stating its latitude and longitude. Latitude measures the distance north or south of the equator, while longitude measures the distance east or west of the prime meridian. By providing both latitude and longitude coordinates, we can accurately pinpoint a specific location on the Earth's surface.

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  • 32. 

    What do astronomers mean by light pollution? [Hint]

    • Light pollution is a term used to describe the appearance of the sky in regions that are crowded with stars.

    • Light pollution means contamination of light caused by chemicals in the Earth's atmosphere.

    • Light pollution refers to lights from human sources that make it difficult to see the stars at night.

    • Light pollution is a type of air pollution created by lightweight gases such as hydrogen and helium.

    Correct Answer
    A. Light pollution refers to lights from human sources that make it difficult to see the stars at night.
    Explanation
    Light pollution refers to lights from human sources that make it difficult to see the stars at night. This means that the excessive artificial lighting, such as streetlights, buildings, and other sources of illumination, obscures the natural darkness of the night sky, making it challenging for astronomers to observe celestial objects and phenomena. It also affects the behavior and habitats of nocturnal animals and disrupts ecosystems.

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  • 33. 

    The Chandra X-ray Observatory must operate in space because: [Hint]

    • It was built by NASA.

    • X-ray telescopes require the use of grazing incidence mirrors.

    • X rays do not penetrate Earth's atmosphere.

    • X rays are too dangerous to be allowed on the ground.

    Correct Answer
    A. X rays do not penetrate Earth's atmosphere.
    Explanation
    X-rays do not penetrate Earth's atmosphere. X-rays have high energy and short wavelengths, which makes them easily absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere. Therefore, in order to observe and study celestial objects using X-rays, telescopes like the Chandra X-ray Observatory need to be placed in space where they can directly detect and analyze X-rays without atmospheric interference.

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  • 34. 

    What is the importance of the carbon dioxide (CO2) cycle? [Hint]

    • It makes the growth of continents possible.

    • It regulates the carbon dioxide concentration of our atmosphere, keeping temperatures moderate.

    • It will prevent us from suffering any consequences from global warming.

    • It allows for an ultraviolet-absorbing stratosphere.

    Correct Answer
    A. It regulates the carbon dioxide concentration of our atmosphere, keeping temperatures moderate.
    Explanation
    The carbon dioxide (CO2) cycle is important because it regulates the carbon dioxide concentration of our atmosphere, keeping temperatures moderate. This is crucial for maintaining a stable climate and preventing extreme temperature changes. The CO2 cycle involves the exchange of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere, oceans, and land through processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and combustion. Without this regulation, the excessive buildup of CO2 in the atmosphere would lead to global warming and its associated consequences.

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  • 35. 

    How did the Ptolemaic model explain the apparent retrograde motion of the planets? [Hint]

    • It held that the planets moved along small circles that moved on larger circles around the Earth, and that the combined motion sometimes resulted in backward motion.

    • It held that sometimes the planets moved backwards along their circular orbits.

    • It held that this motion occurs as Earth passes by another planet in its orbit of the Sun.

    • It held that the planets resided on giant spheres that sometimes turned clockwise and sometimes turned counterclockwise.

    Correct Answer
    A. It held that the planets moved along small circles that moved on larger circles around the Earth, and that the combined motion sometimes resulted in backward motion.
    Explanation
    The Ptolemaic model explained the apparent retrograde motion of the planets by proposing that the planets moved along small circles that moved on larger circles around the Earth. This combined motion sometimes resulted in backward motion, creating the illusion of retrograde motion.

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  • 36. 

    An atom that has fewer electrons than protons is called a/an _________. [Hint]

    • Ion

    • Plasma

    • Solid

    • Molecule

    Correct Answer
    A. Ion
    Explanation
    An atom that has fewer electrons than protons is called an ion. Ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge. When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is called a cation. On the other hand, when an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion. Therefore, an atom with fewer electrons than protons is an ion.

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  • 37. 

    The jovian planets in our solar system are _________. [Hint]

    • Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune

    • Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto

    • Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto

    • Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars

    Correct Answer
    A. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune
    Explanation
    The jovian planets in our solar system are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These planets are often referred to as gas giants because they are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium gases. They are much larger than the terrestrial planets and have thick atmospheres. These planets also have a ring system, although it is most prominent in Saturn. Additionally, they have numerous moons orbiting around them, with Jupiter having the largest number of moons in our solar system.

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  • 38. 

    In essence, the nebular theory holds that _________. [Hint]

    • Our solar system formed from the collapse of an interstellar cloud of gas and dust

    • The planets each formed from the collapse of its own separate nebula

    • The nebular theory is a discarded idea that imagined planets forming as a result of a near-collision between our Sun and another star.

    • Nebulae are clouds of gas and dust in space

    Correct Answer
    A. Our solar system formed from the collapse of an interstellar cloud of gas and dust
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that our solar system formed from the collapse of an interstellar cloud of gas and dust. This explanation aligns with the widely accepted nebular theory, which suggests that the sun and planets formed from a rotating disk of gas and dust called the solar nebula. As the nebula collapsed under its own gravity, it began to spin faster, causing the material to flatten into a disk. The sun formed at the center of the disk, while the planets formed from the material in the outer regions. This explanation is supported by various pieces of evidence, such as the similarities in composition and motion of the planets, as well as the presence of debris disks around other stars.

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  • 39. 

    What do astronomers mean by the Big Bang?

    • The event that marked the beginning of the expansion of the universe

    • The explosion of a massive star at the end of its life

    • The event that marked the birth of our solar system

    • A gigantic explosion that blew all the galaxies in the universe to smithereens

    Correct Answer
    A. The event that marked the beginning of the expansion of the universe
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the event that marked the beginning of the expansion of the universe. This refers to the theory that the universe originated from a highly dense and hot state approximately 13.8 billion years ago. It is believed that at this moment, all matter and energy in the universe was concentrated in a single point, and then rapidly expanded and continues to expand to this day. This theory is supported by various pieces of evidence, such as the observed redshift of galaxies and the cosmic microwave background radiation.

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  • 40. 

    Where is our solar system located within the Milky Way Galaxy? [Hint]

    • Roughly halfway between the center and the edge of the visible disk of the galaxy

    • In the halo of the galaxy

    • At the far edge of the galaxy's visible disk

    • Very near the center of the galaxy

    Correct Answer
    A. Roughly halfway between the center and the edge of the visible disk of the galaxy
    Explanation
    Our solar system is located roughly halfway between the center and the edge of the visible disk of the Milky Way Galaxy. This means that we are not too close to the center where there is a high concentration of stars and activity, nor are we too close to the edge where there are fewer stars. This position allows us to have a relatively stable environment for the development and sustenance of life.

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  • 41. 

    According to modern science, what was the approximate chemical composition of the solar nebula? [Hint]

    • 50% hydrogen and helium, 50% everything else

    • 98% hydrogen and helium, 2% everything else

    • 98% hydrogen, 2% helium

    • Roughly equal proportions of hydrogen, helium, water, and methane

    Correct Answer
    A. 98% hydrogen and helium, 2% everything else
    Explanation
    According to modern science, the approximate chemical composition of the solar nebula was 98% hydrogen and helium, with the remaining 2% consisting of other elements. This composition is based on observations and studies of the composition of the Sun and other stars, as well as the abundance of elements in the universe.

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  • 42. 

    What do we mean when we say that the Sun is in gravitational equilibrium? [Hint]

    • The Sun maintains a steady temperature.

    • The Sun always has the same amount of mass, creating the same gravitational force.

    • The hydrogen gas in the Sun is balanced so that it never rises upward or falls downward.

    • There is a balance within the Sun between the outward push of pressure and the inward pull of gravity.

    Correct Answer
    A. There is a balance within the Sun between the outward push of pressure and the inward pull of gravity.
    Explanation
    When we say that the Sun is in gravitational equilibrium, it means that there is a balance between the outward push of pressure and the inward pull of gravity within the Sun. This balance prevents the Sun from collapsing under its own gravity or expanding uncontrollably. It also helps to maintain the Sun's steady temperature and ensures that the amount of mass remains constant, creating a consistent gravitational force. Additionally, the hydrogen gas in the Sun is balanced so that it neither rises upward nor falls downward.

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  • 43. 

    Based on observations of the universal expansion, the age of the universe is about _________.

    • 14,000 years

    • 14 trillion years

    • 14 billion years

    • 14 million years

    Correct Answer
    A. 14 billion years
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 14 billion years. This is determined based on observations of the universal expansion. Scientists have used various methods, such as studying the cosmic microwave background radiation and the rate at which galaxies are moving away from each other, to estimate the age of the universe. These observations indicate that the universe is approximately 14 billion years old.

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  • 44. 

    Which of the following statements about the celestial sphere is NOT true? [Hint]

    • The "celestial sphere" is just another name for our universe.

    • When we look in the sky, the stars all appear to be located on the celestial sphere.

    • The celestial sphere does not exist physically.

    • The Earth is placed at the center of the celestial sphere.

    Correct Answer
    A. The "celestial sphere" is just another name for our universe.
    Explanation
    The celestial sphere is not another name for our universe. The celestial sphere is an imaginary sphere that astronomers use to visualize the positions of celestial objects in the sky. It is a useful tool for understanding and predicting the motion of celestial objects, but it is not the same as our universe.

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  • 45. 

    When a spinning ice skater pulls in his arms, he spins faster because _________. [Hint]

    • There exists an unbalanced reaction force

    • There is less friction with the ice

    • His angular momentum must be conserved, so reducing his radius must increase his speed of rotation

    • There is less friction with the air

    Correct Answer
    A. His angular momentum must be conserved, so reducing his radius must increase his speed of rotation
    Explanation
    When a spinning ice skater pulls in his arms, he spins faster because his angular momentum must be conserved. According to the law of conservation of angular momentum, the total angular momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external torque. When the skater pulls in his arms, he reduces his radius of rotation, which decreases the moment of inertia. In order to maintain the same angular momentum, his angular velocity must increase, causing him to spin faster.

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  • 46. 

    Absolute zero is _________. [Hint]

    • 100 degrees Celsius

    • 0 degrees Kelvin

    • 0 degrees Fahrenheit

    • 0 degrees Celsius

    Correct Answer
    A. 0 degrees Kelvin
    Explanation
    Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, at which all molecular motion ceases. It is equivalent to 0 degrees Kelvin, which is the temperature scale used in scientific measurements. At absolute zero, all substances have minimal internal energy and their particles have the least possible amount of kinetic energy.

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  • 47. 

    What is the difference between a bound orbit and an unbound orbit around the Sun? [Hint]

    • An object on a bound orbit follows the same path around the Sun over and over, while an object on an unbound orbit approaches the Sun just once and then never returns.

    • A bound orbit is an orbit allowed by the universal law of gravitation, and an unbound orbit is not.

    • A bound orbit is circular, while an unbound orbit is elliptical.

    • An object on a bound orbit has a gravitational attraction to the Sun, while an object on an unbound orbit does not.

    Correct Answer
    A. An object on a bound orbit follows the same path around the Sun over and over, while an object on an unbound orbit approaches the Sun just once and then never returns.
    Explanation
    An object on a bound orbit follows a repetitive path around the Sun, while an object on an unbound orbit only approaches the Sun once and does not return. This is because a bound orbit is allowed by the universal law of gravitation, while an unbound orbit is not. Additionally, a bound orbit is circular in shape, whereas an unbound orbit is elliptical. Lastly, an object on a bound orbit experiences gravitational attraction towards the Sun, whereas an object on an unbound orbit does not.

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  • 48. 

    The terrestrial planets in our solar system are _________. [Hint]

    • Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars

    • Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and Pluto

    • Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto

    • Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune

    Correct Answer
    A. Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These four planets are considered terrestrial planets because they are primarily composed of silicate rocks or metals and have a solid surface. They are also relatively small in size compared to the gas giants in the outer solar system.

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  • 49. 

    What is an "extrasolar planet"? [Hint]

    • A planet that orbits a star that is not our own Sun

    • A planet that is considered an "extra," in that it was not needed for the formation of its solar system

    • A planet that is larger than the Sun

    • A planet that is extra large compared to what we'd expect

    Correct Answer
    A. A planet that orbits a star that is not our own Sun
    Explanation
    An "extrasolar planet" refers to a planet that orbits a star other than our Sun. This means that it is located outside of our solar system and is not part of our own planetary system.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 22, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Oct 14, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Saii

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