Oia Stars & Galaxies
Textbook: Glencoe Physical Science with Earth Science
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The distance that light travels in one year, about 9.5 trillion kilometers, is called a _______________________.
- A.
Light-year
- B.
Light-distance
- C.
Light-speed
- D.
Speed of light
Correct Answer
A. Light-yearExplanation
A light-year is the distance that light travels in one year, which is approximately 9.5 trillion kilometers. It is a unit of measurement used in astronomy to describe vast distances between celestial objects. The term "light-year" emphasizes the relationship between distance and time, indicating the amount of space that light can cover in the span of a year.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
Any telescope that collects and amplifies radiowaves coming from objects in space is a ________________________.
- A.
Refracting telescope
- B.
Reflecting telescope
- C.
Radio telescope
- D.
Hubble Space Telescope
Correct Answer
C. Radio telescopeExplanation
A radio telescope is a type of telescope that collects and amplifies radiowaves coming from objects in space. Unlike refracting and reflecting telescopes, which use visible light to observe celestial objects, a radio telescope is specifically designed to detect and study radio waves emitted by stars, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena. The Hubble Space Telescope, on the other hand, is a reflecting telescope that observes in the visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, but it does not specialize in collecting and amplifying radiowaves.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
The surface layer of the Sun, that gives off light, is the ___________________.
- A.
Photosphere
- B.
Sunspot
- C.
Main sequence
- D.
Atmosphere
Correct Answer
A. PhotosphereExplanation
The surface layer of the Sun that gives off light is called the photosphere. This is the layer where most of the visible light that we see from the Sun originates. The photosphere is a relatively thin layer compared to the rest of the Sun's layers, and it has a temperature of around 5,500 degrees Celsius. It is also the layer where sunspots, which are cooler and darker regions, can be observed.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
The cooler, darker areas of the Sun' s surface are called ___________________.
- A.
Photospherical
- B.
Sunspots
- C.
Dark matter
- D.
Dark energy
Correct Answer
B. SunspotsExplanation
Sunspots are cooler, darker areas on the surface of the Sun. They appear darker because they are relatively cooler compared to the surrounding areas. These regions have intense magnetic activity that inhibits the convective transfer of heat, resulting in lower temperatures. Sunspots are temporary phenomena and can vary in size and shape. They are important for studying solar activity and can have an impact on Earth's climate and communication systems.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
The study of how the universe began, what it is made of, and how it continues to evolve, is called _____________________.
- A.
Astrology
- B.
Planetary geology
- C.
Astronomy
- D.
Cosmology
Correct Answer
D. CosmologyExplanation
Cosmology is the study of the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe. It focuses on understanding the fundamental questions about the universe, such as how it began, what it is made of, and how it continues to evolve over time. This field of study encompasses various branches of science, including physics and astronomy, and involves the use of observational and theoretical methods to investigate the nature of the universe on a large scale.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Unseen mass that adds to the gravity of a glaxy, but cannot be detected (except for very indirectly), nor seen, is called ___________________.
- A.
Dark energy
- B.
Dark matter
- C.
Solar radiation
- D.
Massive
Correct Answer
B. Dark matterExplanation
Dark matter refers to an unseen mass that contributes to the gravitational pull of a galaxy. It is not directly detectable or visible, hence the term "dark." However, its presence can be inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter and the way it influences the motion of galaxies and galaxy clusters. Dark matter is considered one of the fundamental components of the universe, accounting for a significant portion of its total mass.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Energy that might be causing accelerated expansion of the universe is called _______________________.
- A.
Alternative energy
- B.
Dark energy
- C.
Dark matter
- D.
Red giant
Correct Answer
B. Dark energyExplanation
Dark energy is the correct answer because it refers to the hypothetical form of energy that is believed to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. It is called "dark" because it cannot be detected directly and its exact nature is still unknown. Dark energy is thought to make up a significant portion of the total energy content of the universe, but its exact properties and origin remain a subject of ongoing scientific research and investigation.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
The theory that all of the mass in the entire universe was together but then exploded, and has been expanding ever since, is the ___________________________.
- A.
Big bang theory
- B.
Copernican model
- C.
Specialty of Professor Carl Sagan
- D.
Specialty of Professor Stephen Hawking
Correct Answer
A. Big bang theoryExplanation
The correct answer is the big bang theory. This theory proposes that all the mass in the universe was once condensed into a single point, and then underwent a rapid expansion known as the big bang. This explosion marked the beginning of the universe as we know it, and it has been expanding ever since. The big bang theory is widely accepted by scientists as the most plausible explanation for the origin and evolution of the universe.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
We live in the Milky Way galaxy. Yet the Milky Way is not the most common type of galaxy. Choose below the ways that the Milky Way differs from the most common type of galaxy in the universe. Mark all four (4) correct answers.
- A.
The most common type of galaxy in the universe is the elliptical galaxy, but the Milky Way is a spiral galaxy.
- B.
Elliptical galaxies are spherical or ellipse-shaped. The Milky Way is flattened and has spiral arms.
- C.
Most (but not all) elliptical galaxies are dwarfs that contain fewer than one million stars; the Milky Way and most spiral galaxies are large. The Milky Way contains about 400 billion stars.
- D.
The Milky Way is the only galaxy scientists know of that has living organisms.
- E.
The Milky Way is smaller than most elliptical galaxies.
Correct Answer(s)
A. The most common type of galaxy in the universe is the elliptical galaxy, but the Milky Way is a spiral galaxy.
B. Elliptical galaxies are spherical or ellipse-shaped. The Milky Way is flattened and has spiral arms.
C. Most (but not all) elliptical galaxies are dwarfs that contain fewer than one million stars; the Milky Way and most spiral galaxies are large. The Milky Way contains about 400 billion stars.
D. The Milky Way is the only galaxy scientists know of that has living organisms. -
- 10.
Listed below are two correct reasons for why dark matter and dark energy are called "dark." Mark two (2) correct answers.
- A.
Scientists know that the dark matter and dark energy absorb all light in the visible spectrum, which means they are black in color.
- B.
Dark matter and dark energy cannot be seen or detected directly (only indirectly).
- C.
The existence of dark matter and dark energy is inferred from observed effects -- not by seeing them.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Dark matter and dark energy cannot be seen or detected directly (only indirectly).
C. The existence of dark matter and dark energy is inferred from observed effects -- not by seeing them.Explanation
Dark matter and dark energy are called "dark" because they cannot be seen or detected directly, only indirectly. Their existence is inferred from observed effects rather than being directly observed.Rate this question:
-
Back to top