ESS 1 Stars and Big Bang Theory
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best differentiates terrestrial planets from Jovian planets?

  • Terrestrial planets orbit the sun in perfect circles, whereas Jovian planets have very eccentric orbits.
  • Terrestrial planets are primarily composed of gas, while Jovian planets are rocky and dense.
  • Terrestrial planets have greater mass and lower density compared to Jovian planets.
  • Terrestrial planets are closer to the Sun, have less mass, are rocky, and denser, while Jovian planets are the opposite. (correct)
  • What celestial body is described as a large icy object that orbits the sun?

  • Asteroid
  • Comet (correct)
  • Stellar gas cloud
  • Star
  • Approximately how old is the Earth?

  • 13.7 billion years old
  • 4.5 million years old
  • 4.5 billion years old (correct)
  • 10 billion years old
  • Which process is primarily responsible for generating energy released by stars?

    <p>Nuclear fusion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate ratio of hydrogen to helium found in the universe, supporting the Big Bang theory?

    <p>75% hydrogen to 25% helium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term best describes the shape of a planet's orbit around the Sun?

    <p>Ellipse (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the 'period of revolution' of a planet refer to?

    <p>The time it takes for a planet to orbit its Sun. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does increased eccentricity affect the foci of an ellipse?

    <p>The foci get further apart. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is NOT essential for a fossil to be considered an index fossil?

    <p>Complex structure and hard to recognize (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the presence of marine fossils on all continents suggest about Earth’s early history?

    <p>The early Earth had a different distribution of oceans and continents. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the geologic time scale, which of the following represents the correct order from longest to shortest?

    <p>Eons → Eras → Periods → Epochs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Approximately when did humans first appear on the geologic time scale?

    <p>1.8 million years ago, in the Pleistocene epoch (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the fundamental difference between isotopes of the same element?

    <p>They have a different number of neutrons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of half-life represent in the context of radioactive isotopes?

    <p>The time it takes for the radioactivity of an isotope to fall to half its original value. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus for utilizing radiometric dating techniques?

    <p>Establishing the age of rock samples in years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    After 2 half-lives, what percentage of the original radioactive isotope remains in a sample?

    <p>25% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 1, how much of the original isotope would remain after the passing of 2 half-lives?

    <p>25% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of volcanic ash blocking sunlight on a global scale?

    <p>Global cooling and potential food shortages (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Volcanic ash deposits are essential for geologists because they can be used to:

    <p>Measure the age of past plants and animals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which law of stratigraphy suggests that rock layers are deposited in a flat, horizontal manner?

    <p>Law of original horizontality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the law of cross-cutting relationships, if a fault breaks through several rock layers, which is older?

    <p>The rock layers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the length of a year change as planets get further from the Sun?

    <p>The length of the year increases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the law of inclusion refer to?

    <p>The fragments that make up a rock are older than the final rock (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of Earth's layers is primarily responsible for the process of thermal convection?

    <p>Mantle and Outer Core (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main significance of the Carbon Cycle?

    <p>It moves carbon around the Earth, which is essential for life (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between depth and density within the Earth?

    <p>Density increases with increasing depth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a typical consequence of large asteroid impacts on Earth?

    <p>Increased crop yields (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What force is primarily responsible for plate tectonics?

    <p>Density (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between a star's diameter and its luminosity?

    <p>A larger diameter of a star generally corresponds to a higher luminosity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a subduction event?

    <p>Oceanic plates slide under continental plates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the Big Bang Theory, what does the observed redshift of galaxies indicate?

    <p>Galaxies are moving away from us. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best characterizes a transform plate boundary?

    <p>Plates slide past each other horizontally, keeping net crust constant. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary evidence supporting the Big Bang Theory related to the abundance of elements in the universe?

    <p>A ratio of approximately 75% Hydrogen to 25% Helium. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the characteristics of continental and oceanic plates differ?

    <p>Continental plates are thicker but less dense than oceanic plates. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are wavelength and frequency related in the electromagnetic spectrum?

    <p>They are inversely related; the bigger the wavelength, the smaller the frequency. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the difference between P-waves and S-waves?

    <p>P-waves are push waves that move faster and can travel through gases, liquids, and solids. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following lists the planets in order from smallest to largest diameter?

    <p>Mercury, Mars, Venus, Earth, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these lists the planets in order from least to most dense?

    <p>Saturn, Uranus, Jupiter, Neptune, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Earth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is the correct order of the planets, starting with the closest to the sun?

    <p>Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate age of the Earth and the universe, respectively?

    <p>4.5 billion years old and 13.7 billion years old. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Luminosity

    The brightness of a star.

    Surface Temperature

    The temperature of a star's surface.

    Mass

    The amount of matter in a star.

    Redshift

    A shift in the light from distant galaxies towards the red end of the spectrum.

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    Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation

    The faint microwave radiation that fills the universe, believed to be leftover radiation from the Big Bang.

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    Terrestrial Planets

    The planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are smaller, denser, and rocky.

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    Jovian Planets

    The planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These planets are larger, less dense, and gaseous.

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    Age of the Universe and Earth

    The estimated age of the universe is about 13.7 billion years old, and Earth is estimated to be about 4.5 billion years old.

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    What is a galaxy?

    A celestial object composed of gas, dust, and billions of stars held together by gravity.

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    What is a star?

    A giant ball of hot gas that generates energy through nuclear fusion.

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    What is an asteroid?

    A small, rocky object that orbits the Sun.

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    What is a comet?

    A large, icy object that orbits the Sun and leaves a trail of gas and dust.

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    What is a stellar gas cloud?

    An area of space containing gas and dust, primarily hydrogen and helium, where stars are formed.

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    How do stars produce energy?

    The process that powers stars, where light atomic nuclei fuse together to form heavier nuclei, releasing energy in the process.

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    What is eccentricity?

    A number that measures how circular or elliptical an orbit is. A value of 0 represents a perfectly circular orbit, while a value closer to 1 indicates a more elongated ellipse.

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    What is an ellipse?

    A closed curve where the sum of the distances from any point on the curve to two fixed points called foci is constant.

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    Radiometric Dating

    Rocks are dated by measuring the amount of radioactive isotopes remaining in a sample, then comparing this amount to the original amount the rock started off with.

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    Half-Life

    The time it takes for half of the unstable isotopes in a sample to decay into stable isotopes.

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    Isotopes

    Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Some are unstable and break down.

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    Index Fossils

    Fossils that are easily recognizable, widespread, and existed for a relatively short period of time, allowing scientists to date rocks.

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    Geologic Time Scale

    The order of geologic time units from longest to shortest, showing the history of the Earth.

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    Density and Plate Tectonics

    Less dense materials rise to the surface, while denser materials sink. This process plays a key role in plate tectonics.

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    Fossil Evidence of Evolution & Adaptation

    Fossils provide evidence of how species have evolved and adapted to their environments over time.

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    Marine Fossils and Continental Drift

    The presence of marine fossils on all continents provides strong evidence supporting the theory of continental drift.

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    What is the Asthenosphere?

    The layer of the Earth's interior where convection primarily occurs. It's a semi-solid layer that flows slowly.

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    What is Subduction?

    The process where denser oceanic plates dive beneath less dense continental plates.

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    What is a Convergent Plate Boundary?

    A plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, resulting in collisions. This can lead to mountain formation, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

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    What is a Divergent Plate Boundary?

    A plate boundary where two plates move apart, creating new crust. This can lead to the formation of mid-ocean ridges and volcanoes.

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    What is a Transform Plate Boundary?

    A plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes. The San Andreas Fault is a prime example.

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    What are P-waves?

    Seismic waves that travel through the Earth by compressing and expanding the material they pass through. They are faster than S-waves and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

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    What are S-waves?

    Seismic waves that travel through the Earth by shaking the material perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. They are slower than P-waves and can only travel through solids.

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    What is Thermal Convection?

    The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as air or water. Hotter fluids rise, while cooler fluids sink, creating a circular flow.

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    Consequences of large volcanic eruptions

    Large volcanic eruptions can send CO2 into the atmosphere, leading to global warming. The ash released can block sunlight, causing crops to fail and potentially leading to food shortages.

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    Importance of volcanic ash deposits

    Volcanic ash deposits contain fossils and minerals that can be used to determine their age. These deposits help scientists understand the timing of past life and geological events.

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    Volcanic eruptions and atmospheric changes

    Volcanic eruptions release ash into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and potentially causing global cooling. However, the release of CO2 can also contribute to global warming.

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    Consequences of large asteroid impacts

    Large asteroid impacts can cause tsunamis, earthquakes, and, if the asteroid is large enough, mass extinctions.

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    What protects the Earth from asteroids?

    The gravitational pull of other planets can influence the trajectory of asteroids, potentially diverting them away from Earth and protecting it from impacts.

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    Law of superposition

    The law of superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are found at the bottom and the youngest layers at the top.

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    Law of original horizontality

    The law of original horizontality states that undisturbed sedimentary rock layers are originally deposited horizontally.

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    Study Notes

    ESS 1-1 Lifespan of Stars

    • Stars are identified based on their surface temperature and luminosity.
    • Stellar characteristics are compared by luminosity and surface temperature to understand their position in a star's life cycle.
    • Diameter and luminosity of a star change throughout its lifespan.
    • Specific star characteristics (e.g., luminosity, surface temperature, mass) can be described for a given star.

    ESS 1-2 Big Bang Theory

    • Evidence supporting the Big Bang theory includes redshift, the cosmic microwave background radiation and the hydrogen/helium distribution in the universe.
    • The electromagnetic spectrum shows color relationships to wavelength and frequency.
    • The planets and the moon in the solar system are ordered by mass, density and diameter.
    • The order of planets from the Sun outward is Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

    ESS 1-3 Big Bang Theory

    • Describe the relationship among a planet's distance from the Sun, its size, and the length of its year.
    • Terrestrial planets are inner, rocky planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars)
    • Jovian planets are outer, gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune).
    • The universe is approximately 13.7 billion years old, and Earth about 4.5 billion years old.
    • Stellar formation involves gas and dust clouds and the processes of gas giant formation by accretion.

    ESS 1-4 Planet Motion (Kepler)

    • Eccentricity is a measure of how circular or elliptical an orbit is.
    • Foci are the "split center" points of an elliptical orbit.
    • Orbital paths of planets relative to their distance from the Sun are presented.
    • Define the period of rotation and period of revolution of planets.
    • Define equatorial diameter.

    ESS 1-5 Modeling Plate Tectonics

    • The layers of Earth are described including the asthenosphere, mantle, outer core and inner core.
    • The layers are categorized by their solid or liquid state.
    • Convection in the mantle and outer core.
    • Density increases as you go deeper into Earth's layers.
    • The force responsible for plate tectonics is density.

    ESS 2-1 Earth's Internal/Surface Processes & Features

    • Explain the process of subduction.
    • Subduction is when oceanic plates move and slide beneath continental plates.
    • Types of plate boundaries include convergent, divergent and transform.

    ESS 2-2 Earth's Internal/Surface Processes & Features

    • Convergent plate boundaries are destructive.
    • Divergent plate boundaries are constructive.
    • Transform plate boundaries are neither constructive or destructive.
    • Surface features associated with each type of plate boundary.
    • Differences between continental and oceanic plates: Density and thickness.
    • Tectonic features are described for Iceland.

    ESS 2-3 Cycling of Matter

    • Explain thermal convection as the transfer of heat from one object to another through the movement of fluids.
    • Explain how density defines the movement of materials in plate tectonics. less dense material float on denser material.
    • Key Characteristics of index fossils: Easily recognizable, abundant, wide geographic distribution and short geologic time range.

    ESS 2-4 Radiometric/Absolute Dating

    • Isotopes of an element share the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons.

    • Unstable isotopes decay and are radioactive, stable ones do not decay.

    • The time it takes for the radioactivity of a specified isotope to fall by half is called a half-life; this is useful to determine the age of materials.

    • Radiometric—dating used to find the age of rocks on Earth.

    • The percentages of remaining isotopes decrease over time, corresponding to half lives.

    ESS 2-5 Consequences of Volcanic/Asteroid Impacts

    • Effects of volcanic eruptions on the environment, such as atmospheric changes (like global warming or cooling).
    • Effects of asteroid impacts on the environment, such as tsunamis and earthquakes and potential mass extinction.
    • Importance of volcanic ash deposits as geological markers.
    • Importance of other planetary gravitational/orbital influences to Earth.
    • Understanding of geologic time scales

    Stratigraphy

    • Law of Superposition: Older layers are at the bottom, newer layers are on top.
    • Law of Original Horizontality: Undisturbed rock layers are horizontal.

    Carbon Cycle

    • The importance of the carbon cycle, processes that move carbon around the planet.
    • Understand the relationship between Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and global temperatures.

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    Description

    This quiz covers essential concepts in astronomy, focusing on the lifespan of stars, the characteristics that define them, and evidence supporting the Big Bang theory. Students will explore stellar evolution, electromagnetic spectrum relationships, and the order of celestial bodies in our solar system. Test your knowledge of these fundamental astronomical principles!

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