Questions and Answers
According to the big bang theory, which statements are accurate about how the universe came to be? (Select all that apply)
Which object(s) formed last in our solar system?
What can be observed only by observing its effects on gravity?
Dark matter
Which statements describe Earth? (Select all that apply)
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What do scientists know about the future of the universe? (Select all that apply)
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What do astronomers use to calculate the age of the universe? (Select all that apply)
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Which of Edwin Hubble's findings support the big bang theory? (Select all that apply)
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Which statements accurately describe the Doppler effect? (Select all that apply)
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Which evidence supports the big bang theory? (Select all that apply)
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About how long ago did our solar system start to form?
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Which event led to the formation of our solar system?
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In which order did the events forming our solar system occur?
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Which statements describe planetesimals? (Select all that apply)
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Which planet formed near the Sun where the solar system's temperatures were very high?
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Which statements describe the inner planets? (Select all that apply)
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Which statements describe the outer planets? (Select all that apply)
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Which objects in space formed from the huge disk of ice and debris beyond the outer planets? (Select all that apply)
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Which is currently the most supported theory about the future of the universe?
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In 1998 scientists discovered that the expansion of the universe has been accelerating. What force is causing this phenomena?
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Which elements make up the empty space in the universe? (Select all that apply)
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Which statements describe dark matter? (Select all that apply)
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Which discovery by astronomer Vera Rubin helped prove the existence of dark matter?
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There is a theory that gravity could pull galaxies back together causing a reverse big bang. Which observation makes this theory less likely than the idea that the universe may continue to expand?
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Study Notes
The Big Bang Theory
- Stars and galaxies formed following the Big Bang.
- Atoms, primarily hydrogen and helium, were created during this event.
- The universe was initially no larger than a pinhead before its rapid expansion.
Solar System Formation
- The inner planets, including Mars, formed last within our solar system.
- The solar system began to form about 5 billion years ago from a collapsing solar nebula.
- The solar nebula spun faster, flattened into a disk, and most gas collected at the center to form the Sun.
Characteristics of Earth
- Earth is classified as a terrestrial planet, created from gas and dust in a debris disk via collisions of planetesimals.
Future of the Universe
- Dark matter's existence is confirmed; it influences galaxy rotation despite being invisible.
- Galaxies spin faster than expected based on visible matter alone.
Methods of Age Calculation
- Astronomers determine the universe's age using the oldest star ages, background radiation patterns, and the velocity of distant galaxies moving away.
Hubble’s Findings
- Edwin Hubble discovered that nearly all galaxies are receding from us, supporting the Big Bang theory.
- The observation that galaxies move away faster the farther they are endorsed the concept of an expanding universe.
The Doppler Effect
- The Doppler effect helps scientists study the universe's behavior, measuring galaxy velocities through changes in light wavelengths.
Evidence for the Big Bang Theory
- Presence of numerous galaxies and the observation that most are moving away from us supports the Big Bang.
- Uniform background radiation is detected in all directions, indicating the aftermath of the Big Bang.
Formation of Planets
- Planetesimals, formed from gas and dust in debris disks, are the building blocks of planets.
- The inner planets, such as Mercury, are solid and have experienced gas loss during formation.
Outer Planets
- Also known as gas giants, outer planets have substantial gravity due to their size and formed in cooler regions of the solar system.
Formation Beyond Outer Planets
- Objects like Pluto and comets originated from an extensive disk of ice and debris located beyond the outer planets.
The Future of Cosmic Expansion
- Current theories suggest that the universe may continue to expand indefinitely.
- The acceleration of the universe's expansion is attributed to dark energy, a mysterious force discovered in 1998.
Dark Matter
- Comprising invisible matter that does not emit electromagnetic radiation, dark matter is a significant component of the universe.
- Vera Rubin's research indicated that galaxies spin faster than they should based on visible matter, thus supporting the existence of dark matter.
Alternative Theories
- Although there is a hypothesis about gravity potentially pulling galaxies back together, the accelerating expansion makes this scenario less plausible compared to continuous expansion.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on the expanding universe with these flashcards. Explore key concepts related to the Big Bang theory, the formation of stars and galaxies, and the development of our solar system. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of Earth Science.
