Uranus & Neptune Quiz 12.10.10
SPASH Astronomy students should take this quiz on Uranus and Neptune on Friday, December 10, 2010.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Ancient astronomers knew about Uranus and Neptune because they orbit through constellations.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
This statement is false. Ancient astronomers did not know about Uranus and Neptune because they orbit through constellations. In fact, Uranus was discovered in 1781 by William Herschel, and Neptune was discovered in 1846 by Urbain Le Verrier and Johann Galle. The knowledge of these planets came much later in history and was a result of advancements in telescopes and observational techniques.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
Uranus was discovered by a British Astronomer named
- A.
Lassee
- B.
Galileo
- C.
Herschel
- D.
Sagan
Correct Answer
C. HerschelExplanation
Uranus was discovered by a British astronomer named Herschel.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
While Uranus is greenish in color, Neptune appears as bright ________________.
Correct Answer
blue
bluishExplanation
Uranus is known for its greenish color due to the presence of methane gas in its atmosphere. On the other hand, Neptune appears as bright blue or bluish in color. This is because Neptune has a similar composition to Uranus, with methane gas also present in its atmosphere. However, Neptune's deeper atmosphere contains more methane, which absorbs red light and reflects blue light, giving it a vibrant blue appearance.Rate this question:
- 4.
Observations of the orbit of Uranus lead to the discovery of Neptune.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because the observations of the orbit of Uranus did indeed lead to the discovery of Neptune. In the early 19th century, astronomers noticed irregularities in Uranus' orbit that could not be explained by the gravitational influence of known celestial bodies. This led them to hypothesize the existence of another planet beyond Uranus that was causing these perturbations. Subsequently, calculations were made based on these observations, and in 1846, Neptune was discovered in the predicted location, confirming the accuracy of the hypothesis.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Uranus and Neptune are approximately ____ the size of Earth
- A.
Half
- B.
The same
- C.
2x
- D.
4x
- E.
10x
Correct Answer
D. 4xExplanation
Uranus and Neptune are approximately four times the size of Earth. This means that their diameters, volumes, and overall dimensions are approximately four times larger than Earth's. The answer choice "4x" accurately represents this comparison, indicating that Uranus and Neptune are significantly larger than Earth.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
The tilt of Uranus is unusual because
- A.
It is tilted 98 degrees and spins on it's side.
- B.
It is tilted 176 degrees and spins on it's head.
- C.
It rotates backwards: this is called retrograde motion.
- D.
The tilt always changes and wobbles with each revolution around the sun.
Correct Answer
A. It is tilted 98 degrees and spins on it's side.Explanation
The tilt of Uranus is unusual because it is tilted 98 degrees and spins on its side. This is different from the other planets in our solar system, which generally have a smaller tilt and spin more upright. The extreme tilt of Uranus causes its poles to be almost in line with its orbit around the sun, resulting in unique seasonal changes and a different pattern of sunlight distribution on the planet.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Which of the following is the most abundant element in the Jovian planets?
- A.
Oxygen
- B.
Ammonia
- C.
Iron
- D.
Hydrogen
Correct Answer
D. HydrogenExplanation
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the Jovian planets. This is because Jovian planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, are predominantly composed of hydrogen gas. The immense gravitational forces in these planets compress the hydrogen gas, creating a dense and massive core. Additionally, the outer layers of these planets consist of hydrogen in various forms, such as metallic hydrogen, which is formed under high pressure conditions. Therefore, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the Jovian planets.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Methane is the molecule responsible for the bright color of Uranus and Neptune.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Methane is the molecule responsible for the bright color of Uranus and Neptune because it absorbs red light and reflects blue light. This gives the planets their characteristic blue-green appearance. Methane in the atmosphere of these planets interacts with sunlight to create a chemical reaction that produces the vibrant colors observed.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
The Dark ______ is a hurricane-like storm with estimated winds of 2,000mph on Neptune.
Correct Answer
Spot
spotExplanation
The correct answer is "Spot, spot". The question is asking for the missing word that completes the sentence about a hurricane-like storm on Neptune. The word "Spot" is capitalized, indicating that it is a proper noun and likely the name of the storm. The repetition of "spot" in the answer suggests that it is the correct word to fill in the blank.Rate this question:
- 10.
Check all of the following spacecraft that have gathered information orbiting Uranus and Neptune.
- A.
Hubble
- B.
Cassini
- C.
Voyager 2
- D.
Chandra
Correct Answer
C. Voyager 2Explanation
Voyager 2 is the correct answer because it is the only spacecraft listed that has gathered information by orbiting both Uranus and Neptune. Hubble is a space telescope that has gathered information about various celestial objects, but it has not specifically orbited Uranus or Neptune. Cassini is a spacecraft that studied Saturn, not Uranus or Neptune. Chandra is an X-ray observatory that has focused on studying distant galaxies and black holes, not Uranus or Neptune.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
Theoretical models indicate that Uranus and Neptune have __________ cores similar to Saturn and Jupiter.
- A.
Liquid iron
- B.
Solid iron
- C.
Icey
- D.
Rocky
Correct Answer
D. RockyExplanation
Theoretical models suggest that the cores of Uranus and Neptune are rocky, similar to the cores of Saturn and Jupiter. This means that the central regions of these planets are composed primarily of solid rock, possibly mixed with other dense materials. This information is based on scientific theories and simulations, as direct observations of the cores of these gas giants are not currently possible.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
The magnetospheres surrounding Uranus and Neptune match that of the orbital tilt.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The magnetospheres surrounding Uranus and Neptune do not match the orbital tilt. The magnetosphere of a planet is influenced by various factors, including the planet's magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind. While both Uranus and Neptune have tilted magnetic fields, their magnetospheres do not perfectly align with their orbital tilts. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
How many moons currently orbit Uranus?
- A.
None
- B.
4
- C.
5
- D.
27
Correct Answer
D. 27Explanation
Uranus currently has 27 moons orbiting around it.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
How many moons currently orbit Neptune?
- A.
13
- B.
42
- C.
60
- D.
Unkown
Correct Answer
A. 13Explanation
Neptune currently has 13 moons orbiting it. These moons were discovered over a period of time through observations made by astronomers using advanced telescopes and other space exploration technologies. The number of moons orbiting a planet can change over time as new moons are discovered or existing ones are lost due to various factors such as collisions or ejections from the planetary system.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
Triton is the largest moon found orbiting Neptune. What do scientists believe they found on Triton?
- A.
Extremophiles
- B.
Water ice
- C.
Saltwater oceans
- D.
Intelligent life
Correct Answer
B. Water iceExplanation
Scientists believe they found water ice on Triton. This is because observations and data collected from spacecraft missions suggest the presence of frozen water on the surface of the moon. The low temperatures and lack of atmosphere on Triton make it suitable for water to exist in solid form.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
The ring system surrounding Uranus was discovered in 1977 when Astronomers observed __________ _______________, the diming of a star when the rings passed in front of it.
Correct Answer
stellar occultationExplanation
Astronomers discovered the ring system surrounding Uranus in 1977 through the observation of stellar occultation. This phenomenon refers to the dimming of a star when the rings of Uranus pass in front of it. By observing this occultation, scientists were able to detect and study the presence of the rings around Uranus.Rate this question:
- 17.
Uranus has one broad ring while neptune has ____ narrow rings.
Correct Answer
3
threeExplanation
Uranus has one broad ring while Neptune has three narrow rings. This indicates that the number of rings around Uranus is different from the number of rings around Neptune. Uranus has a single, wide ring, while Neptune has three narrow rings.Rate this question:
- 18.
The asteroid-sized innermost, icey moon orbiting Uranus is called ____________.
- A.
Miranda
- B.
Triton
- C.
Io
- D.
Europa
Correct Answer
A. MirandaExplanation
Miranda is the correct answer because it is the asteroid-sized innermost icy moon orbiting Uranus. Triton is a moon of Neptune, not Uranus. Io and Europa are moons of Jupiter, not Uranus. Therefore, Miranda is the only moon that fits the description given in the question.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
Neptune creates its own internal heat and therefor has more weather, cloud, and band structure than Uranus.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Neptune creates its own internal heat through a process called radiogenic heating, which is caused by the decay of radioactive elements in its core. This internal heat drives convection in Neptune's atmosphere, leading to the formation of weather patterns, clouds, and distinct band structures. In contrast, Uranus does not generate as much internal heat, resulting in less pronounced weather phenomena and cloud formations. Therefore, the statement that Neptune has more weather, cloud, and band structure than Uranus is true.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
I actually studied for the quiz today (examples of studying include: read the chapter, made the notecard, did bold terms, etc.)
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The given statement suggests that the person has engaged in various activities that are typically associated with studying, such as reading the chapter, making notecards, and reviewing bold terms. Therefore, it can be inferred that the person is claiming to have actually studied for the quiz. Hence, the correct answer is true.Rate this question:
-
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, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 08, 2010Quiz Created by
Klockman