Part complete Quasars are

ancient high energy galaxies believed to have formed early

the total amount of light energy that star emits into space.

Which best describes the intrinsic motion of stars?

their motion relative to all other bodies

Supernovae are caused by

collapse of a supermassive supergiant star

Totality during a solar eclipse is not totally dark because

of light from the solar corona.

Most natural phenomena we wonder about

involve several scientific disciplines.

The carbon dioxide cycle is important to Earth because it

and the oceans are critical in moderating & regulating temp

What aspect of Titan may hold clues as to what Earth was like before life arose here?

an intriguing soup of organic molecules

same mass as the original star from which it formed.

Part complete What will halt the collapsing Sun's core once its fuel has been exhausted?

inability of electrons to enter into neighboring electrons

Why can't any star, no matter how massive, fuse elements heavier than iron?

the nucleons within iron have the least mass as possible

What prevents stars greater than about 100 times the Sun's mass from existing?

rate of thermal expansion would overcome gravity

Summer and winter constellations are different because

night sky faces in opposite directions

What makes Europa the most likely place life will be found in our solar system?

ocean of liquid water warmed by tidal interaction w/ Jupiter

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Earth and Space Sciences Exam 1

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Exam 1

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Questions 144

Answers

1
The reason that the Moon takes on a crescent shape each month has to do with the
Sun's Position
both
Earth's shadow
neither
2
The Sun tends to bloat outward by nuclear fusion, and contract due to
reduced gaseous pressures.
its relatively slow spin.
gravitation.
nuclear fission.
3
Most of the atoms in the universe are thought to be
thought to be undiscoverd
helium
hydrogen
iron
4
What is the cause of Jupiter's slight flattening, which results in an equatorial diameter
its rapid spin cycle
nuclear fission within its core
its massive gravitational pull
its frequent reversal of its magnetic poles
5
Part complete Quasars are
a conglomeration of spiral galaxies.
white dwarf collapsed
ancient high energy galaxies believed to have formed early
a conglomeration of pulsars within a galaxy.
6
the scientific spirit is based upon
consensus in the scientific community.
experimentation
hypotheses of well-known philosophers.
honesty and trust
7
Luminosity is
the stars apparent brightness.
the stars particular color spectrum output.
the total amount of light energy that star emits into space.
the stars total infrared output.
8
Which best describes the intrinsic motion of stars?
their motion relative to all other bodies
apparent yrly cycle around the Sun due to Earth's revolution
circular motion across the sky in a 24-hour period
their motion relative to Earth
9
Part complete In a scientific experiment, a control is
way to study the effects of just one experimental variable.
neither
all of the above
test that duplicates experimental test except for 1 variable
10
Supernovae are caused by
supermassive supergiant star in a massive nuclear reaction
any of the above
collapse of a supermassive supergiant star
the implosion of a white dwarf
11
No greenhouse effect occurs on Mercury because of no
atmosphere
plant life
daily spin
terrestrial radiation
12
A Starburst galaxy has this name because of its
large number of pulsars.
high rate of star formation
large number of neutron stars
high rate of supernovae
13
The temperature of a star is evidenced by its
angular momentum.
color
rate of burning.
brightness.
14
If it is a valid hypothesis, there must be a test for proving it
wrong
right
15
Nebular theory pertains to the formation of
Earth
The Asteroid Belt
the solar system
the galaxy
16
Our local group is composed of how many galaxies?
1,526
less than 100
less than 1000
less than 400
17
Radiant energy can be understood using this field of science.
Biology
Astrology
Chemistry
Physics
18
hich body in the solar system has the highest level of volcanic activity?
Earth
Jupiter
mARS
Io
19
Why do comet's tails always point away from the Sun?
planets cause the ice to be pulled towards their orbits
when they move away from the Sun they begin to lose inertia
the comet's interaction with dark matter
because of radiation pressure
20
As a star undergoes collapse, its rate of rotation
decreases
remains unchanged
increases
21
The scientific method is a method for
making observations.
making hypotheses.
designing experiments.
gaining new knowledge
22
Totality during a solar eclipse is not totally dark because
the Moon is directly in front of the Sun.
the line between umbra and penumbra is not sharp.
the Moon is smaller than the Sun.
of light from the solar corona.
23
"regions beneath Earth's crust will always be beyond the reach of science" is a
fact
hypothesis
theory
speculation
24
Most natural phenomena we wonder about
involve several scientific disciplines.
require knowledge of advanced mathematics.
are best explained by physics.
are poorly explained by science
25
The carbon dioxide cycle is important to Earth because it
and the oceans are critical in moderating & regulating temp
has been recognized by the Nobel Prize award committee.
prevents the gradual buildup of oxygen
helps sustain the plant base
26
Of the sciences known as physics, chemistry, and biology, the most basic is
they may all be considered basic
biology
physics
chemistry
27
A pulsar is likely a
black hole companion
binary star
spinning neutron star
star in its death throes
28
Edwin Hubble discovered that the farther away a galaxy is the
faster its receding from us
more black holes it contains
more energetic it is
larger it is
29
The solar wind blows in a direction
away from the sun
toward the sun
30
What aspect of Titan may hold clues as to what Earth was like before life arose here?
its intense volcanic activity
an intriguing soup of organic molecules
its expansive liquid oceans
the rate of radioactive decay of its inner core
31
If the Sun collapsed to a black hole, the time required for the Earth to orbit
stay the same
decrease
increase
32
The H-R Diagram, an important tool of astronomers, relates stellar temperature to stellar
brightness.
distance.
mass.
color.
33
Is the rate of Earth's rotation increasing or decreasing?
increasing
both, in cyclic fashion
Decreasing
Same
34
The synthesis of a large collection of info with well-tested stuff is known as a scientific
law or principle
theory
fact
hypothesis
35
A black hole has
a mass that widely fluctuates.
infinite mass.
half the mass of the star from which it formed.
same mass as the original star from which it formed.
36
How far is a light year?
the distance of one Earth orbit
all of the above
nearly 10 trillion km
300,000 km
37
The predominant gas in the atmosphere of Earth is
water vapor
oxygen
nitrogen
carbon dioxide
38
Part complete What will halt the collapsing Sun's core once its fuel has been exhausted?
inability of electrons to enter into neighboring electrons
outward thermal pressure
the shift from fusion to fission nuclear reactions
random quantum fluctuations
39
Why can't any star, no matter how massive, fuse elements heavier than iron?
It could, we have not yet observed a star massive enough
the nucleons within iron have the least mass as possible
elements heavier than iron have less average mass
Actually, this occurs on a regular basis,
40
When a star collapses to half size, the gravitational field at its surface
remains constant
doubles
quadruples
times eight
41
Neptune was discovered by irregularities in
Earth
Jupiter
Pluto
Uranus
42
With each pass of a comet about the Sun, its mass
actually increases
is unchanged
is appreciable reduced
43
Which star will emit the shortest wavelength of its peak frequency?
blue
red
green
yellow
44
What prevents stars greater than about 100 times the Sun's mass from existing?
rate of thermal expansion would overcome gravity
gravitational attraction would overcome thermal expansion
The gaseous material of the universe is too widely dispersed
Fusion cannot take place
45
Compared to the density of water, the density of Saturn is
about the same
less
more
46
The predominant gas in the atmosphere of Mars is
Nitrogen
O2
Carbon Dioxide
Water Vapor
47
Summer and winter constellations are different because
of the tilt of the Earth's polar axis.
night sky faces in opposite directions
of the spin of the Earth about its polar axis
Earth is at the solar perigee in winter
48
Cepheids are types of stars that regularly change how bright they are over a period of a few
years
months
decades
days
49
The gold in Uncle Harry's teeth fillings originated in
Fort Knox.
Stars that blew up eons ago
The big bang
deep interior of earth
50
How deep is the Photosphere?
300 km
500 meters
500 km
300 meters
51
What makes Europa the most likely place life will be found in our solar system?
ocean of liquid water warmed by tidal interaction w/ Jupiter
ocean of liquid water and evidence of phytoplankton activity
has a hydrogen ocean and moderate levels of oxygen
52
The consequences of a comet's tail sweeping across the Earth would be
like an enhanced Aurora Borealis
quite unpredictable
virtually nil
likely catastrophic
53
Compared to the event horizon, the photon sphere of a black hole is
no difference
nearer the singularity
farther from the singularity
54
Which one of these elements is normally the remnant of a supernova?
silver
hydrogen
none of these
helium
55
Part complete In what region of the Sun are most of X-rays generated?
the chronosphere
the corona
the inner core
the photosphere
56
When a contracting hot ball of gas spins into a disk shape, it cools faster due to
increased radiation transfer.
increased convection currents.
increased surface area.
decreased insulation.
57
What is the likely source of methane in Mars atmosphere?
ongoing volcanic activity
Mars landings of exploration vehicles such as Spirit
decomposition of the residue deposits left from Mars oceans
he absorption of Phobos' ( inner moon) methane atmosphere
58
The difference between lightwaves approaching and lightwaves receding is
approaching=higher frequency, receding=lower
there is no difference
approaching=lower frequency,receding=higher
59
While Earth still has water in abundance, all of Venus' was lost. Where did it go?
evaporated into space due to the intense daytime heat
Ultraviolet rays split the hydrogen from the oxygen
It chemically combined with CO2 to form CO4H.
Scientists are still trying to determine this.
60
In what region of Mars is microscopic life most likely to exist?
at the equator, where temperatures are most moderate
deep within the planet's core
beneath the planet's surface, where melting water may pool
at the poles, where ice caps may harbor microorganisms
61
What is the cause of Jupiter's extremely high-energy radiation belts?
remnants of a collision between Jupiter & another large body
tidal forces due to the interaction with moons
the capture of a high number of metallic asteroids
enormous magnetic field that captures high energy particles
62
The event that changes a protostar to a full-fledged star is
a catastrophic increase in temperature.
gravitational collapse.
gravitational expansion
thermonuclear fusion.
63
Which of the following is a scientific hypothesis?
parts of the universe will never be found by man
Matter is filled with undetectable particles.
The Moon is made of green cheese.
There are things we will never know about.
64
A star's color tells us
its surface temp
how much energy a star produces.
both how much energy it produces and its surface temperature
its rotational speed.
65
The elements found on Earth have much to do with
pulsars
white dwarfs
supernovas
quasars.
66
Why is Mars' greenhouse effect negligible compared to that of Earth?
Its mass is only one-ninth of Earth's
Martian atmosphere is much thinner and retains little heat.
International Mars Greenhouse Gas Reduction Treaty of 2003
CO2 contains a rare isotope with little ability to trap heat
67
What are Saturn's rings composed of?
hydrogen
methane gas
chunks of ice and rock
old satellites and other space junk
68
Thermonuclear fusion occurs mainly in the
outer layers of stars
both
cores of stars
69
At about what frequency is Earth struck by a meteorite large enough to cause mass extinctions?
about every 1 million years
about every 100 million years
about every 10 million years
This has yet to occur on Earth
70
The diurnal rotation of the stars refers to the
constellations visible in different times of the year
movement of the stars across the sky during daytime
rate of spin of stars in their formation stage.
Apparent rotation of celestial sphere due to Earths rotation
71
The predominant gas in the atmosphere of Venus is
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Water vapor
Carbon Dioxide
72
Why is the Kuiper belt considered to be a zone of failed planet formation?
dwarf planets found therein have yet to fully accrete
There is simply not enough material
one of the dwarf planets have atmosphere
both a and b
73
The observable universe is
the part of the universe that is within the visiblespectrum.
about 100 billion light years across.
visible to the naked eye
the minor portion of the universe we can observe.
74
We are actually looking into the past when we look at
a distant star
none
our physics book
both
75
The best evidence that the Sun is a newcomer in the universe is
its relatively slow rate of spin.
the existence of heavy elements in its composition.
its very existence in spite of its high burning rate.
its high temperature as revealed by its color.
76
The "redshift" of a galaxy refers to the rate
at which it is receding
at which it is spinning
of its fusion
at which it is approaching
77
Whatct will be left at the center of our solar system once the Sun dies?
black hole
red giant
a planet-sized diamond
a wormhole
78
Elliptical galaxies
are thought to be former starburst galaxies
tend to be smaller than the other types of galaxies.
all of the above
have little in the way of dust and gas.
79
If one walked on Triton, Neptune's largest moon, what would you observe the geysers spewing?
liquid methane
liquid hydrogen
liquid water
liquid nitrogen
80
Cosmic background radiation refers to
pockets of radiationin certain quadrants observable universe
the radiation emitted from galactic nuclei.
uniformly distributed residual radiation from the Big Bang.
redshifted microwave radiation from center of the universe.
81
How much greater is the atmospheric pressure of Jupiter than Earth's? More than
1 million times
100 times
10 times
1000 timmes
82
What is the most abundant component (at 82%) of Jupiter's atmosphere?
Methane
Hydrogen
helium
ammonia
83
Giant stars
have already exhausted their supply of hydrogen
are close to exhausting their supply of helium.
are close to exhausting their supply of hydrogen.
have already exhausted their supply of helium.
84
What are the relative compositions of the materials from which stars form?
Stars have vastly differing combinations of materials.
about 24% hydrogen, about 74% helium,
about 2% hydrogen, about 74% helium,
about 74% hydrogen, about 24% helium
85
The event horizon of a black hole is
the surface below which no matter or energy can escape.
the point in time when a black hole comes into being
the physical surface of the black hole.
the surface where light becomes trapped in a circular orbit
86
Part complete The masses of stars are found by measurements of
binaries.
Doppler shifting.
light intensity.
relative sizes.
87
Why is Jupiter the largest planet in the solar system?
massive collision with another protoplanet
Because of its distance from the Sun,
Because that's just the way it happened.
Being the oldest planetary core, it had more time
88
How do the wind speeds of the Martian atmosphere compare with those of Earth?
about ten times more than Earth's
50% of earths
about hte same
about one tenth of Earth's
89
Why are elements heavier than iron less abundant than those that are lighter?
because the duration of a supernova is relatively short
because they tend to be unstable, and easily undergo fission
evidence suggests they are only rare here
This is one of the mysteries of cosmic formation
90
An active galactic nucleus
arises from the black hole at the center of a galaxy
supermassivesupergiant star at the center of larger galaxies
is a giant dust cloud at the center of a galaxy.
is a place of intense star formation.
91
In what region of the Sun is solar energy generated?
inner core, with temperatures more than 15,000,000 K.
the outer surface, where the greatest pressure resides
inner surface, the region of greatest density
mid-interior, gravitational field of core & periphery even
92
Where did Saturn's rings likely come from?
the decay of radioactive particles
either a moon that never formed or destroyed by tidal forces
volcanic activity on its surface ejecting matter
gravitational capture of old satellites and other space junk
93
On which body (other than Earth) is life in our solar system most likely to be found?
Mars
No evidence anywehre
Venus
Europa
94
The Milky Way is
an elliptical galaxy
the remains of another galaxy
a spiral galaxy
an irregular galaxy
95
Summer and winter constellations are different because
of the tilt of the Earth's polar axis.
the Earth is at the solar perigee in winter
the night sky faces in opposite directions
of the spin of the Earth about its polar axis.
96
After our Sun burns its supply of hydrogen, it will become a
Red Giant
Blue Giant
Black Hole
White Dwarf
97
The planet with a mass most like Earth's is
Venus
Neptune
mercury
Saturn
98
a pulsar only emits X-rays and visible light during its early history. Why?
As the pulsars energy dissipates, its energy frequency drops
X-rays are likely the result of radioactive decay,
X-rays & light are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The pulsar's high rate of spin produces a magnetic field
99
When the alignment of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth produce a solar eclipse, what is in center?
moon
earth
sun
100
Most of the angular momentum in the solar system is
in its planets
about equally divided in the Sun and its planets.
in the sun
101
What constitutes over half of Jupiter's volume?
oceans of liquid hydrogen
the massive Mons Majora Range
its rocky solid core
oceans of liquid methane
102
What will be the predominant element within the Sun after it has died?
Carbon
Helium
phosporous
Nitrogen
103
Why is the Moon still visible during a full lunar eclipse?
Background microwave radiation becomes excited
Earth's atmosphere acts as a lens that refracts light
there is a minor component of phosphorescent minerals
the Moon's thin atmosphere acts as a mirror
104
A cloud of interstellar gas is held together by
electromagnetism.
infrared radiation.
the gravitational force
all of the above
105
With daytime temperatures that can reach 430°C, why is nighttime on Mercury so cold?
Weak gravitational field doesn't retain the daytime's heat.
Because the year is so short, there isn't enough time
Very little atmosphere, heat is quickly lost into space.
solar winds quickly dissipate all heat on the dark side.
106
About how many tons of meteorites strike the Earth on a daily basis?
20,000
200,000
20
200
107
As more and more mass falls into a black hole, the radius of its photon sphere
increases
decreases
doesn't change
108
Temperature differences between nighttime and daytime on Earth are relatively small due to
seasonal fluctuations and Earth's magnetic field.
Relatively high daily spin rate and shortness of nighttime.
polar regions absorbing most solar energy.
Earth being 70% water.
109
Most of the energy during the collapseSo how is it they can blow away a star's outer shells?
Although they rarely interact with matter, the sheer number
by creating a massive magnetic field that convulses
by developing a temporary, but relatively strong charge
When neutrinos exceed a certain speed, 22,300 km/s,
110
Metals are relatively more abundant in
old stars
neither
new stars
111
"Cosmological Redshift" refers to
the expansion of galaxies
the expansion of space itself
tendency of light to expand when free of gravity influences.
the expansion of red giants.
112
What aspect of the Sun's behavior wraps and distorts the solar magnetic field?
plasma fluxes within the core
sunspot activity due to differential heat dispersion
differential spin between the equatorial and polar regions
the cycle of the reversal of the magnetic poles
113
If experimental findings are not reproducible,
it is an indication of scientific fraud.
the results are considered valid, but not usable.
the results are not considered valid.
an indication that the scientific method was not followed.
114
When the alignment of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth produce a lunar eclipse, what's in center?
moon
Sun
earth
115
When the Moon assumes its characteristic thin crescent shape, the position of the Sun is
almost directly behind the Earth
at right angles to the line between the Moon and Earth.
almost directly in back of the Moon.
116
Scientists repeat experimental findings in order to
eliminate unseen errors.
both of the above
non eof the above
improve upon experimental design.
117
Part complete Totality is not completely dark during a lunar eclipse because
of the Sun's corona.
of light refracted by the Earth's atmosphere.
the line between umbra and penumbra is not sharp.
the Moon is not directly in the Earth's shadow.
118
All of the stars we see at night with our unaided eyes are within
100,000 light-years,
10,000 light-years, which is a small portion of our galaxy.
5 million light-years, which encompasses our local group
14 billion light-years
119
When we see a half-moon, the position of the Sun is
at right angles to a line from Earth to the Moon
almost directly behind the Earth.
almost directly behind the Moon.
about 45° from a line from Earth to the Moon.
120
Triton's geysers spew?
Liquid nitrogen
liquid helium
liquid water
Liquid hydrogen
121
The Big Bang is regarded as the expansion of
energy
matter
space
time
122
Evidence of the solar wind on Earth is the
higher ocean tides in winter
Aurora Borealis.
preponderance of hurricanes at certain latitudes
meteor showers
123
Neptune emits about 2.5 times as much heat energy as it receives, altho it shouldn't. why?
Unlike Uranus, it is still contracting
The basis for these calculations is being questioned
Radioactive decay has kicked into overdrive,
Uranus' gravity is creating a "slingshot" effect
124
What is the upper limit of stars the unaided eye can discern on a moonless night in rural area?
300
3,000
30,000
300,000
125
The reason we don't have eclipses monthly is because of the
different orbital planes for Earth and the Moon.
23° tilt of the Earth's axis.
relatively long distance to the Sun
126
The age of the Sun is about
5.5 trillion years.
5.5 million years.
5.5 billion years.
more than 5.5 trillion years
127
Huge rotating cloud of particles that gravitate together to form a dense ball As it shrinks, it
rotates at the same rate
rotates faster
rotates slower
128
A spinning cloud of interstellar gas tends to
turn into a sphere
condense
flatten
disperse
129
Most meteors seen as shooting stars are about the size of
baseballs
small buildings
grains of sand
large buildings
130
How did Mr. Hubble calculate the age of the universe?
by measuring the rate of expansion of the universe
by measuring the redshift of star in center of our galaxy
by looking at the age of the oldest stars
measuring the rate of radioactive decay of the far galaxies
131
A black hole is
all of the above
likely found at the center of each spiral galaxy
the result of the collapse of supergiant star.
a region of space that is collapsed in on itself.
132
A star's brightness tells us
both how much energy it produces and its surface temperature
how much energy a star produces.
its surface temperature.
its rotational speed.
133
A black hole is
remains of a giant collapsed star.
empty region of space with a huge gravitational field.
small region that has the mass of many galaxies.
134
The background stars of a lunar eclipse are those of constellations
seen in the nighttime sky.
of the opposite season.
seen in the opposite hemisphere.
not seen normally.
135
Most of the stars in colliding galaxies
coalesce into larger stars.
do not make contact with each other
undergo accelerated collapse.
end up as binaries.
136
Compared to your weight on Earth, your weight on Jupiter would be about
100 times
3000 times
3 times
2 times
137
The formation of protons over neutrons was favored in the early universe because
he positively charged protons were repelled away
more massive neutrons made better targets for collisions.
it takes more energy to create a proton
it takes more energy to create a neutron
138
What is generally the range of a star's hydrogen burning lifetime?
from 20 billion to 100 billion years
from a few hundred thousand to 20 billion years
from 2 billion to 15 billion years
from a few million to 50 billion years
139
What event will eventually move an average star off the main sequence of the H-R diagram?
solar wind storms
running out of hydrogen, causing gravitational influx
surface cooling due to hydrogen loss
drift through space bc gravity of neighboring giant stars
140
A star's size stabilizes when
it reaches temperatures of about 3 million K.
the star first ignites.
gravitational attraction is balanced by neighboring stars.
thermal pressure and gravitational attraction balance
141
If the Sun collapsed to become a black hole, the Earth's gravitational attraction
less
no different
more
142
If a star collapses to a tenth its size, gravitation at its surface increases by
20
100
1000
10
143
What is the primary component of Venus' atmosphere?
CO2
02
Helium
Argon
144
Why does a star's color corresponds to its temperature?
Higher temperature means more energetic light
because the ultraviolet output of a star
because of the light shifts that take place
because the core temperature

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