Sci3nce Flashcards
(22 cards)
What does the Solar Nebula Theory explain?
How solar systems form
It describes the process of solar system formation from a massive cloud of gas and dust.
How long ago was our solar system formed?
Around 5 billion years ago
What is a protostar?
A baby star forming from a shrinking gas cloud
What occurs when a protostar contracts?
Temperature and pressure increase in its core, leading to nuclear fusion
At what temperature does nuclear fusion occur in a protostar?
10,000,000 C
What elements are fused during nuclear fusion in stars?
Hydrogen nuclei to form helium nuclei
What forms the gas giant planets in the solar system?
Light gases like hydrogen and helium moved outward and collected far from the Sun.
What forms the terrestrial planets in the solar system?
Heavier, solid matter that collided in the inner solar system
What is the core of the Sun’s temperature?
15,000,000 °C
What is the outer layer of the Sun where light escapes called?
Photosphere
What are sunspots?
Darker, cooler areas visible on the Sun’s photosphere
What are solar flares?
Areas near sunspots that release lots of gas and charged particles
What is solar wind?
A steady stream of particles (electrons and protons) emitted by the sun
True or False: The Sun’s energy is in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
True
How long does it take for the Sun’s energy to reach Earth?
8 minutes
What is the Kuiper Belt?
a region Beyond Neptune — home to Pluto and comets.
What is a dwarf planet?
An object that orbits the Sun, has a spherical shape, but does not dominate its orbit
What is the difference between meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites?
Meteoroids are in space, meteors burn up in the atmosphere, meteorites hit the Earth
Fill in the blank: A large chunk of ice, rock, and dust that revolves around the Sun is called a _______.
Comet
What is the asteroid belt?
A space between Mars and Jupiter filled with rocky, metal objects.
What is Planet 9 believed to be?
A possible planet 10 times bigger than Earth, far from the Sun
What is the significance of the Oort Cloud?
The farthest part of the Kuiper Belt where comets come from
