Astronomy 101 Second Midterm Exam Prep

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Questions and Answers

Why is the strength of gravity at the surface of Sirius B significantly stronger than on Earth?

Sirius B has a much larger radius than Earth does.

Sirius B has a different chemical composition than Earth does.

Sirius B has a much smaller radius than Earth does.

Sirius B contains much more mass than Earth does. (correct)

What types of objects are believed to be left behind when high-mass stars die?

White dwarfs and neutron stars.

Red supergiant stars.

Black holes and white dwarfs.

Neutron stars and black holes. (correct)

What is a common misconception about the spectrum of a glowing gas in the Orion Nebula?

It has no visible lines.

It shows only emission lines. (correct)

It produces a continuous spectrum.

It is only visible in infrared.

Which element is NOT primarily found in the composition of the Sun?

Iron Signup and view all the answers

What principle explains why neutron stars are born spinning rapidly?

The conservation of angular momentum. Signup and view all the answers

Which property of neutrinos is NOT correct?

Neutrinos are extremely massive particles. Signup and view all the answers

What statement about all stars regarding their life cycle is FALSE?

Low-mass stars evolve faster than high-mass stars. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during a typical nova explosion on a white dwarf?

A burst of fusion of the element hydrogen. Signup and view all the answers

At what point does fusion cease in a high-mass star?

Upon creation of the element iron. Signup and view all the answers

What does hydrostatic equilibrium refer to in astronomical contexts?

The balance of gravitational and outward pressure forces in a star. Signup and view all the answers

Which misconception about red light compared to blue light is incorrect?

Red light travels faster than blue light. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about planetary nebulae is FALSE?

The spectrum of a planetary nebula is absorption in nature. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be made from a binary star system where one star's center of mass is closer to it?

The closer star has a greater mass. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the predicted decrease in heavy elements in the Universe over time?

The synthesis of elements is always increasing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when light is separated into its component colors by a prism?

Dispersion Signup and view all the answers

What occurs after a high-mass star ends its fusion process?

It initiates a supernova explosion. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is true about neutrinos?

They come in three distinct types. Signup and view all the answers

Which elements were primarily present in the early Universe, approximately 14 billion years ago?

Hydrogen, helium, and lithium Signup and view all the answers

Which method provides the most accurate distance measurement to a nearby star?

Measuring the position of the star relative to distant stars over six months Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when an electron transitions from the n = 2 to the n = 1 energy state in a hydrogen atom?

A photon is emitted with a wavelength of λ = 1216 Å. Signup and view all the answers

What factor most directly influences the velocity of waves generated in a pool of water by tapping the surface?

The medium properties of the water. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the mass distribution in an atom?

Most of the mass of an atom is contained in its nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

When observing the spectrum of a hot source through a low-density gas, what characteristic would you expect at position (2)?

An absorption spectrum with dark lines. Signup and view all the answers

What is a false statement regarding nuclear fusion in the Sun?

Nuclear fusion occurs only in the core of the Sun. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the wavelength of the photon emitted when an electron moves from n = 3 to n = 1 compared to the transition from n = 2 to n = 1?

The emitted photon has a shorter wavelength. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of wave behavior in water, what effect does increasing the tapping rate have?

It increases the frequency and can affect wave velocity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the equilibrium condition in a star?

Inward gravitational pull balanced by outward gas and radiation pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Astronomy 101 - Sample Second Midterm Exam

Purpose: The document provides a sample exam to help students prepare for the actual exam.
Exam Preparation Advice:
- Study all materials in the "Second Midterm Exam Guide" on Canvas.
- Clarify any uncertain topics with assistance.
- Simulate exam conditions:
  - Print the entire document.
  - Allocate 70 minutes for the exam.
  - Close all books and notes.
  - Detach the bubble sheet.
  - Complete the exam under timed conditions.
- Grade the bubble sheet using the provided answer key.
- For incorrect answers:
  - Do not reread the question.
  - Identify the primary content source for each question.
  - Reprepare the material.
  - Check understanding and ensure the correct answer.
Good exam preparation approach:
- Reflect on exam performance and identify areas to focus on improving exam preparation going forward.
Poor exam preparation approach:
- Taking the sample exam, and looking up answers to missed questions, without reviewing the material.
Exam Instructions:
- Closed book, no calculators, cell phones, or hats.
- Carefully detach and fill out the bubble sheet with name and student ID.
- Use a pencil to fill in the bubble sheet.
- Erase all stray marks.
- 70 minutes time limit.
- All questions carry equal weight, and allow time for review.
- Do not bring the exam booklet out of the testing room.
Multiple Choice/True/False exam Structure:
- Each question type has instructions on how to answer on the bubble sheet.
- The exam has 50 questions.
Important Concepts: There are several concepts found in the questions regarding the spectrum of the sun, stages of stellar evolution, nuclear fusion, and more.

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Description

This sample exam is designed to help students prepare for the Astronomy 101 Second Midterm Exam. Covering advice on studying materials, practicing under timed conditions, and evaluating performance, this document serves as a comprehensive guide for effective exam readiness.