Astronomy

Question 1

Big Bang Theory

Answer 1

The Big Bang Theory is a physical theory that describes how the universe expanded from an initial state of high density and temperature

Question 2

What are 3 pieces of evidence for the Big Bang Theory?

Answer 2

Abundance of light elements- H, He, Li
Observed expansion of space
Discovery of the cosmic microwave background (CMB)

Question 3

Countering the three pieces of evidence there are 3 main concerns about this theory. What are they and have they been countered?

Answer 3

The flatness problem
The horizon problem
The monopole problem

Question 4

Flatness Problem

Answer 4

The interesting notion that the early universe had just the right amount of matter to make it flat. The flatness problem is solved by inflation, during it the curvature of the universe neared flatness.

Question 5

Horizon Problem

Answer 5

Distant regions of space in opposite direction of the sky are so far apart that, they could have never been in casual contact with each other

Question 6

Monopole Problem

Answer 6

Prediction that a very large number of heavy, stable “magnetic monopoles” should have been in the early universe.

Question 7

Terrestrial Planets
vs. Jovian Planets

Answer 7

Terrestrial Planets- “Earth Like”
First 4 planets from the Sun
Mercury, Venus, Mars and Earth
Smaller
Dense and solid
Jovian Planets- Gas Giants
Next 4 planets
Jupter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune
Larger
Low density, made of gas

Question 8

Planets vs.
Dwarf Planets

Answer 8

Planets
In orbit around Sun
Sufficient mass so it assures a hydrostatic equilibrium shape
Dwarf Planets
Meets the first two requirements
Small solar system

Question 9

Asteroids vs.
Comets

Answer 9

Asteroids
Asteroid belt which is where most of the asteroids are between Mars and Jupiter
Tend to have very eccentric orbits and irregular shapes
Largest in solar system is 620 miles
Comets
Large dirty snowballs
Composed of frozen gasses that cover rocky materials
Very eccentric orbits
Tail points away from the Sun
Caused by blowing solar winds or partial melting when closer to the Sun
Most famous “Halley’s Comet” comes every 76 years

Question 10

Meteors, Meteoroids,
Meteorites

Answer 10

Meteors
Pieces of rock in Earth’s atmosphere once they hit the ground they’re collected Meteorites
Meteor showers occur when Earth enters the path of a comet
Most are made of nickel and iron
Meteoroids
Lumps of rock of iron that orbit the sun
Meteorites
Space rocks that fall to Earth’s surface

Question 11

Kepler’s 1st Law (Law of Orbit)

Answer 11

Planets orbit around the Sun in an ellipse (oval) with the Sun at one focus

Question 12

Kepler’s 2nd Law (Law of Areas)

Answer 12

Planets move faster when they are closer to the sun
Planets pick up speed as they get closer to the sun as they move away
Would cover the same area in a period of time between the planet and sun

Question 13

Kepler’s 3rd Law (Law of Periods)

Answer 13

Period (p) is measures in years
Distance (a) in astronomical units

Question 14

Divergent Boundaries

Answer 14

Plates move away

Question 15

Convergent Boundaries

Answer 15

Plates move together

Question 16

Transform boundaries

Answer 16

When plates slide past each other

Question 17

Normal Fault

Answer 17

When hanging wall moves below your foot wall

Question 18

Reverse

Answer 18

Footwall moves below your hanging wall

Question 19

Strike Slip

Answer 19

Slide past each other

Question 20

Focus

Answer 20

When the earthquake is started
Located in the middle

Question 21

Epicenter

Answer 21

Right above the fault
To determine the fault

Question 22

Fault

Answer 22

When the 2 blocks slide