Final Flashcards
(38 cards)
What are the three main components of an atom?
Protons, neutrons, and electrons
Protons are positive, neutrons are neutral, and electrons are negative.
What defines isotopes?
Same number of protons, different neutrons
Isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.
What are ions?
Same protons, different electrons
Ions can be positively charged (cations) or negatively charged (anions).
What happens when protons change in an atom?
Results in a different element
The atomic number determines the element type.
What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum from shortest to longest wavelength?
Gamma → X-ray → UV → Visible → IR → Microwave → Radio
This order reflects increasing wavelength and decreasing frequency.
Which types of electromagnetic waves are transparent to Earth’s atmosphere?
Visible and radio waves
Most other types are absorbed or scattered by the atmosphere.
What causes the seasons on Earth?
Earth’s axial tilt, not its distance from the Sun
This tilt affects sunlight intensity and day length.
Define hypothesis in scientific terms.
A testable, educated guess
A hypothesis is a starting point for experimentation.
What is a fact in scientific terms?
A verified observation or measurement
Facts are objective and can be confirmed through evidence.
Define law in scientific context.
A consistent description of a natural phenomenon
Laws summarize patterns observed in nature.
What is a theory?
A broad explanation supported by facts, laws, and hypotheses
Theories can evolve as new evidence emerges.
How does weight vary in relation to gravity?
Weight varies by gravitational force, not mass
An object’s mass remains constant, but weight changes based on gravity.
What is the weight of a 90 kg person on Earth?
200 lbs
Weight on other celestial bodies will differ due to varying gravity.
What is the weight of a 90 kg person on the Moon?
33 lbs
The Moon’s gravity is about 1/6th that of Earth’s.
What is the core of the Sun responsible for?
Hydrogen fusion
This process generates the Sun’s energy.
What are the layers of the Sun in order from innermost to outermost?
Core → Radiative Zone → Convective Zone → Photosphere → Chromosphere
Each layer has distinct characteristics and functions.
What is a visual binary star system?
Both stars visible
This type of binary system can be observed directly through telescopes.
How are spectroscopic binary stars detected?
Via Doppler shifts
Changes in spectral lines indicate motion towards or away from Earth.
What occurs in an eclipsing binary star system?
Light dims when stars overlap
These systems provide information on star sizes and orbits.
Are all eclipsing binaries spectroscopic binaries?
Yes
However, not all spectroscopic binaries are eclipsing.
What does the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram plot?
Luminosity vs. temperature
This diagram categorizes stars based on their brightness and heat.
What characterizes main-sequence stars?
Majority of stars
They are in a stable phase of hydrogen burning.
Where are red dwarfs located on the HR diagram?
Bottom right
Red dwarfs are cooler and less luminous than other stars.
Where are OB stars found on the HR diagram?
Top left
OB stars are hot, massive, and very luminous.
