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Fundamentals of Astronomy: Comprehensive Exam Prep Guide, Exams of Astronomy

A comprehensive guide for preparing for an astronomy exam. It includes multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop exercises, matching activities, and sequencing tasks covering various topics in astronomy, such as the distance between planets, spectral lines, astronomical tools, the big bang theory, and the life cycle of stars. The document also includes links to external resources for further exploration.

Typology: Exams

2024/2025

Available from 11/14/2024

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The Fundamentals of Astronomy:

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Select the correct answer from each drop-down menu. The distance between Earth and Mars is 225 million km. When converted using the conversion factor 1 AU = 1.5 × 108 km, the distance between the planets is [0.2 AU/1. AU/2.0 AU]. The astronomical unit (AU) is [shorter than/longer than/the same as] a light- year. - CORRECT ANS- - 1 .5 AU SHORTER THAN Drag each tile to the correct location. A scientist is studying the light emitted by several celestial objects. He records the shifts in each object's spectral lines (in nm). Based on these measurements, determine whether each object is moving TOWARD or AWAY from Earth. Use the LINK for the diagram of the visible light spectrum to help you. 400 nm shifted to 430 nm 610 nm shifted to 580 nm 512 nm shifted to 480 nm 670 nm shifted to 690 nm https://cdn.app.edmentum.com/EdAssets/b9d99084338a4dbf9c9ed79f1049bf8c?ts= 232334357600000 - CORRECT ANS- - TOWARD:610 nm shifted to 580 nm AND 512 nm shifted to 480 nm

AWAY:400 nm shifted to 430 nm AND 670 nm shifted to 690 nm Match the tools with the advantages they offer to astronomers. photography space telescope radio telescope optical telescope detects electromagnetic frequencies outside the visible spectrum that reaches Earth captures images that can be shared and compared by scientists obtains a magnified and clear view of a part of the sky to observe celestial objects allows access to images taken from outsideEarth's atmosphere - CORRECT ANS- - SPACE TELESCOPE:allows access to images taken from outsideEarth's atmosphere PHOTOGRAPHY:captures images that can be shared and compared by scientists OPTICAL TELESCOPE:obtains a magnified and clear view of a part of the sky to observe celestial objects RADIO TELESCOPE:detects electromagnetic frequencies outside the visible spectrum that reaches Earth Arrange the events of the big bang in sequential order. The first neutral atoms form. The universe is transparent. Atomic nuclei form. Hydrogen fuses into helium. The universe comes into existence as a single point.

Gases form that will later go on to shape the stars and galaxies. The universe begins expanding, and nuclear forces develop. - CORRECT ANS- - The universe comes into existence as a single point. --> The universe begins expanding, and nuclear forces develop. -->Atomic nuclei form. Hydrogen fuses into helium. --> The first neutral atoms form. The universe is transparent. --> Gases form that will later go on to shape the stars and galaxies. Match the events related to the formation of the universe with the stages during which they occurred. https://us-static.z-dn.net/files/d0d/6f1038f1dcdc9d87024509c434adc46b.png The first neutral atoms begin to form. Hydrogen fuses into helium. Expansion from an infinitely hot point. - CORRECT ANS- - (left to right on picture) Expansion from an infinitely hot point. Hydrogen fuses into helium. The first neutral atoms begin to form. Which occurrence would contradict the big bang theory? A. The percentage of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere increases. B. Scientists discover that 99% of the universe's mass is hydrogen. C. A radio telescope detects microwave radiation in space. D. Distant galaxies move progressively farther away from Earth. - CORRECT ANS- - B. Scientists discover that 99% of the universe's mass is hydrogen.

Which observational tool helped astronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discover the existence of the cosmic microwave background (CMB)? A. optical telescope B. radio telescope C. a digital camera D. space telescope - CORRECT ANS- - B. radio telescope Which occurrence would contradict the big bang theory? A. Over time, distant galaxies move progressively closer to Earth. B. A scientist discovers a black hole outside the Milky Way galaxy. C. The average temperature of the universe decreases. D. A scientist discovers a planet that is about 10 million years old. - CORRECT ANS- - A. Over time, distant galaxies move progressively closer to Earth. Venus is an average distance of 108.2 million kilometers from the Sun. Use the conversion factor 1 AU = 1.5 × 108 km to convert this distance from kilometers to astronomical units. Choose the closest answer. A. 0.72 AU B. 1.25 AU C. 3.56 AU D. 45.63 AU E. 96.12 AU - CORRECT ANS- - A. 0.72 AU How do dying stars contribute to the formation of planets?

A. They emit helium gas that attaches to nearby planets. B. They remove low-mass elements from the planets' crust. C. They cause nuclear fusion inside the inner core of planets. D. They produce heavy elements such as iron and gold. - CORRECT ANS- - D. They produce heavy elements such as iron and gold. Study the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram in the LINK and answer the question that follows. The temperature of a star is 6000K and its luminosity is 1000. Which type of star is it? https://cdn.app.edmentum.com/EdAssets/9bda9fe4070f41498c2d087b18cfb1fb?ts= 27413209600000 A. white dwarf B. main sequence star C. giant D. supergiant - CORRECT ANS- - C. giant Which statement about nuclear fusion is correct? A. Two hydrogen electrons become protons during fusion. B. Helium nuclei can fuse to form elements such as nitrogen. C. The fusion reaction lasts for several hundred years. D. Large nuclei break apart to form smaller nuclei. - CORRECT ANS- - B. Helium nuclei can fuse to form elements such as nitrogen. Which condition in a nebula would prevent nuclear fusion?

A. the presence of nitrogen and carbon B. the unification of gaseous elements C. a decrease in the overall volume of gases D. a core temperature of only ten thousand Kelvin E. physical contact between bare nuclei - CORRECT ANS- - D. a core temperature of only ten thousand Kelvin Select all the correct answers. After the big bang, atoms in gas clouds experienced a greater gravitational pull to each other than atoms in other regions of the universe. Which two statements are scientific facts that explain this phenomenon?

  1. Gravitational pull on an object decreases with a decrease in its temperature.
  2. As the density of an object increases, it becomes immune to gravitational force.
  3. Gravitation between two objects increases when the distance between them decreases.
  4. Gravity doesn't exist between objects that are less than one light-year apart.
  5. When the mass of an object increases, its gravitational pull also increases. - CORRECT ANS- - 3. Gravitation between two objects increases when the distance between them decreases.
  6. When the mass of an object increases, its gravitational pull also increases. Determine which physical conditions are necessary to support nuclear fusion and formation of stars and put them in one category: Promotes Stellar Formation OR Does Not Promote Stellar Formation lower temperature

higher temperature increased gravitational attraction decreased gravitational attraction - CORRECT ANS- - PROMOTES STELLAR FORMATION: higher temperature increased gravitational attraction DOES NOT PROMOTE STELLAR FORMATION:lower temperature decreased gravitational attraction Use the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram LINK to determine which condition describes each star. Use the arrows to help locate the stars. https://cdn.app.edmentum.com/EdAssets/193456bc83834fd6ac31634afb03662b?ts= 247325876230000 Betelgeuse the Sun Sirius B The star can no longer support nuclear fusion because it has exhausted its supply of hydrogen. The star's hydrogen supply is running low, so it is fusing hydrogen from outside the core. The star is experiencing nuclear fusion at its core. - CORRECT ANS- - The star can no longer support nuclear fusion because it has exhausted its supply of hydrogen: SIRIUS B The star's hydrogen supply is running low, so it is fusing hydrogen from outside the core: BETELGEUSE The star is experiencing nuclear fusion at its core: THE SUN

Arrange the events involved in nuclear fusion in the correct order. The colliding nuclei fuse to form larger helium atoms having two protons and two neutrons. Bare nuclei collide with each other due to massive amounts of heat. The pressure of hydrogen gas increases, and the gas reaches extreme temperatures. Hydrogen atoms shed their electrons. - CORRECT ANS- - The pressure of hydrogen gas increases, and the gas reaches extreme temperatures. --> Hydrogen atoms shed their electrons. --> Bare nuclei collide with each other due to massive amounts of heat. --> The colliding nuclei fuse to form larger helium atoms having two protons and two neutrons. Identify the phases in the life cycle of small and big stars. supernova: In this stage, the star collapses and produces elements heavier than iron. planetary nebula: In this stage, the star emits strong energy pulses that push away the outer layers creating a cloud of ionized gas around the core. neutron star: In this stage, the star has reduced to an extremely dense core. white dwarf: In this stage, the star has reduced to a dense core. AVERAGE STAR -->GIANT--> Blank--> Blank MASSIVE STAR--> SUPER GIANT--> Blank--> Blank--> OR BLACK HOLE - CORRECT ANS- - https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.schoolsobservatory.org%2F learn%2Fastro%2Fstars%2Fcycle&psig=AOvVaw1lFsIxjDxCHez8A- BJ9qtQ&ust=1604422264436000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCMi- ke2o5OwCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD The table shows chronological events in the life of our Sun, a medium-sized star. Place the missing events into the correct rows of the table.

The Sun is a white dwarf with a dim glow. A nebula located in the Milky Way galaxy begins pulling near by hydrogen atoms into its orbit. The temperature in the core of the nebula reaches 14 million Kelvin. The Sun expands greatly and cools.It is larger and redder.

  1. The nebula shrinks in volume to gravity, becoming dense and hotter. But, it's not hot enough for nuclear fusion

  2. Hydrogen atoms begin shedding their electrons and colliding with one another

  3. The sun enters the main sequence stage. The energy created as a result of its radiation begins nurturing life on planets such as earth. 6.Hydrogen runs low

  4. The sun completely runs out of hydrogen to fuse. its outer layers are pushed away, and a cloud of ionized gas surrounds its core

    • CORRECT ANS- - 1.A nebula located in the Milky Way galaxy begins pulling near by hydrogen atoms into its orbit. 3.The temperature in the core of the nebula reaches 14 million Kelvin. 7.The Sun expands greatly and cools.It is larger and redder. 9.The Sun is a white dwarf with a dim glow. Classify the planets based on their composition. TERRESTRIAL PLANETS/GAS GIANTS/ICE GIANTS

Saturn Mars Uranus Venus Earth Neptune Mercury Jupiter - CORRECT ANS- - TERRESTRIAL PLANETS: mars, venus, earth, mercury GAS GIANTS: saturn and jupiter ICE GIANTS: uranus and neptune KNOW WHAT PLANETS ARE BEING ORBITED IN A PICTURE - CORRECT ANS- - IN THIS PICTURE THE SUN IS BEING ORBITED. Arrange the events in the order that they're likely to occur leading up to the formation of a solar system. The temperature increases. The nebula shrinks. The nebula spins. A cloud of gas and dust forms. The nebula flattens into a disk. Nuclear fusion takes place. - CORRECT ANS- - A cloud of gas and dust forms.--> The nebula spins.--> The nebula flattens into a disk.--> The nebula shrinks.--> The temperature increases.-->

Nuclear fusion takes place. Match each orbiting body to its attribute. COMET/METEOROID/GAS GIANT/ASTEROID varies greatly in size from one to the next has a characteristic glow usually burns up if it enters Earth's atmosphere primarily made of hydrogen and helium - CORRECT ANS- - COMET:has a characteristic glow METEOROID:usually burns up if it enters Earth's atmosphere GAS GIANT:primarily made of hydrogen and helium ASTEROID:varies greatly in size from one to the next Select the correct answer from each drop-down menu. According to one theory, Earth's moon accreted to form its current structure following a giant impact between Earth and another celestial body. Complete the paragraph to describe the process of accretion. Following the impact, a section of Earth broke off. As a result, large pieces of debris started to revolve around Earth. The debris was held close to Earth by Earth's [atmosphere/rotational motion/gravity/oceans.] The debris frequently collided to form a planetesimal. As the planetesimal grew in size, its gravity increased. This gravitational force pulled in even more [matter/gravity/atmosphere/forces], which led to the accretion of the moon. - CORRECT ANS- - 1. GRAVITY

  1. MATTER

James observes an orbiting body that is approximately 5.2 AU away from the Sun. He knows that it is primarily composed of helium and hydrogen. In which region of the solar system is the orbiting body located? A. asteroid belt B. inner planets C. outer planets D. Kuiper Belt - CORRECT ANS- - C. outer planets In the diagram(on the LINK), planets A, B, and C have the same mass. Which of these statements is true about the motion of these planets?https://cdn.app.edmentum.com/EdAssets/8deefcb8ab46499b8b5b06fb2dd8ae 8?ts= A. Planet A will take the longest time to complete an orbit, while planet C will take the shortest time. B. Planet A will take the shortest time to complete an orbit, while planet C will take the longest time. C. The combined gravity of planets A and C will cause planet B to take the longest time to orbit. D. All the planets will take the same amount of time to complete one orbit. - CORRECT ANS- - B. Planet A will take the shortest time to complete an orbit, while planet C will take the longest time. How would the absence of gravity affect the formation of planets? A. The rocks and debris would take longer to accrete into a planet. B. The rocks and debris would never accrete into a planet. C. The rocks and debris would accrete into a smaller orbiting body. D. The rocks and debris would be pushed closer to the Sun. - CORRECT ANS- - B. The rocks and debris would never accrete into a planet.

Select all the correct answers. Events involving a disk-shaped nebula occurred before the nuclear fusion that led to the birth of the solar system. Which two statements about the disk-shaped nebula are true? Gravity caused the disk-shaped nebula to shrink. Gravity caused the nebula to flatten out in its disk-like shape. Rotational motion caused the disk-shaped nebula to shrink. Rotational motion caused the nebula to flatten out in its disk-like shape. The flattening of the disk caused the speed of rotation to decrease. - CORRECT ANS- - Gravity caused the disk-shaped nebula to shrink. Rotational motion caused the nebula to flatten out in its disk-like shape. Select all the correct answers. What are two reasons why the terrestrial planets formed closer to the Sun after the supernova event that initiated the formation of the solar system? They are made of denser objects, which can condense at relatively high temperatures. They contain lightweight materials that condense in areas of relatively low radiation. They are made of heavier elements, which have a stronger gravitational attraction to the Sun. They are relatively small in size, so the Sun's gravity has a strong influence on them. They have gaseous surfaces, which is ideal in those areas of high radiation near the Sun. - CORRECT ANS- - They are made of denser objects, which can condense at relatively high temperatures. They are made of heavier elements, which have a stronger gravitational attraction to the Sun.

COPY AND PASTE THE LINK TO VIEW THE QUESTION

https://us-static.z-dn.net/files/d88/3fd887011980a8b3e172df57f3803bc3.png - CORRECT ANS- - An observer on the Moon sees a solar eclipse. An observer on Earth sees a lunar eclipse. Earth's axis is tilted to one side. Which phenomenon would cease to exist in the absence of this axial tilt? A. sunrise B. solstice C. neap tides D. lunar eclipses - CORRECT ANS- - B. solstice Which statement could be a direct outcome of the formation of the Moon according to the giant impact theory? A. Earth's axis is tilted. B. Earth moves in a circular orbit. C. Earth revolves around the Sun. D. Earth rotates. - CORRECT ANS- - A. Earth's axis is tilted. Which statement supports the giant impact theory for the formation of the Moon? A. Earth and the Moon share many compositional characteristics. B. Earth and the Moon have the same sized core. C. The Moon exerts a greater gravitational force than Earth.

D. Moon rocks are younger than rocks found on Earth. - CORRECT ANS- - A. Earth and the Moon share many compositional characteristics. Why do areas north of the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere experience a polar day lasting for several months during summer? A. The region does not experience spin during polar day. B. Earth is at its closest point to the Sun during polar day. C. The region is tilted toward the Sun during polar day. D. Earth's orbit passes below the Sun during polar day. - CORRECT ANS- - C. The region is tilted toward the Sun during polar day. Select the correct answer from each drop-down menu. Tides on Earth are caused by the combined effect of the Sun and the Moon. However, the Moon has a [greater/lesser] effect on tides than the Sun because the Moon is [closer to/larger than/similar] to Earth. - CORRECT ANS- - GREATER CLOSER TOO Identify where the Moon is located during a solar eclipse. COPY AND PASTE LINK TO VIEW THE IMAGE https://us-static.z-dn.net/files/d89/6ba83dece57419a79ed8f25f14a1ecd2.png - CORRECT ANS- - THE ONE CLOSER TO THE SUN James observes that the Polaris star in the Northern Hemisphere does not rise and set in the sky. His teacher tells him that this is because Earth rotates around an axis that points toward Polaris. Based on this information, identify where Polaris could be located on the diagram.

COPY AND PASTE LINK OT VIEW IMAGE

https://us-static.z-dn.net/files/dc4/60fcd32e0109a41a305d6fe8f446dea1.jpg - CORRECT ANS- - THE RED DOT FURTHEST AWAY FROM EARTH (TOP OF THE IMAGE) Drag each tile to the correct box. Arrange the events in the order they likely occurred according to the giant impact theory. A Mars-sized planetesimal collides with Earth. Material accretes to form the Moon. Molten material is ejected from Earth. The Moon begins rotating and revolving around Earth. - CORRECT ANS- - A Mars-sized planetesimal collides with Earth.--> Molten material is ejected from Earth.--> Material accretes to form the Moon.--> The Moon begins rotating and revolving around Earth. KNOW THE Moon phases to the correct location, as seen by an observer on Earth. - CORRECT ANS- - Select the correct answer from each drop-down menu. The planets [Pluto/Uranus/Venus] and Neptune are known as the [ice giants/inner planets/terrestrial planets]. These planets are the farthest away from the Sun in the solar system. They lie just beyond the planet [Earth/Mercury/Saturn], at which point temperatures [decrease/increase/remain constant] drastically. - CORRECT ANS- - URANUS ICE GIANTS SATURN DECREASE

Drag each tile to the correct location on the chart. Sort the attributes based on whether they describe VENUS or NEPTUNE. 1.a relatively thick atmosphere that traps heat, similar to Earth 2.visible bands, clouds, and rings

  1. retrograde rotation, spinning clockwise as viewed from above
  2. 13 moons, the largest of which is Triton - CORRECT ANS- - VENUS: a relatively thick atmosphere that traps heat, similar to Earth AND retrograde rotation, spinning clockwise as viewed from above NEPTUNE: visible bands, clouds, and rings AND 13 moons, the largest of which is Triton Drag the tiles to the correct boxes to complete the pairs. Match each attribute to the appropriate planet. Venus Jupiter Earth Mercury densest planet in the solar system hottest planet in the solar system largest planet in the solar system smallest planet in the solar system - CORRECT ANS- - densest planet in the solar system- EARTH hottest planet in the solar system-VENUS largest planet in the solar system-JUPITER

smallest planet in the solar system-MERCURY Drag each tile to the correct location on the chart. Sort the sentences based on whether the attributes they describe belong to planets or an object that isn't a planet. The object orbits theSun. The object is a satellite. The regions surrounding the object are free from debris. The object is triangular in shape. - CORRECT ANS- - PLANET-The object orbits theSun AND The regions surrounding the object are free from debris. NOT A PLANET-The object is a satellite. AND The object is triangular in shape. Select the correct answer. On Earth, water can exist as a solid, a liquid, or a gas. Why? A. Earth is at an ideal temperature due to its distance from the Sun. B. Earth rotates counterclockwise as viewed from above the North Pole. C. Earth is shaped like a sphere and revolves around the Sun. D. The Moon takes about 27 days to revolve around Earth. - CORRECT ANS- - A. Earth is at an ideal temperature due to its distance from the Sun. Select the correct answer. Kepler's third law can be used to derive the relation between the orbital period, P (measured in days), and the semimajor axis, A (measured in AU), of an orbiting body. The relation is given by the equation P2 = kA3, where k is a constant value for all bodies orbiting that star. The semimajor axis of Mars is 1.52 AU, and its orbital period is about 687 days. What is the value of the constant k?

A. 4.52 × 102

B. 7.44 × 10- 6

C. 1.34 × 105

D. 2.21 × 10- 3 - CORRECT ANS- - C. 1.34 × 105

Select all the correct answers. Which two pieces of data indicate that Jupiter resides in the outer region of the solar system? It is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. It contains one natural satellite, the Moon. It is the hottest planet in the solar system. Its surface gases form into colorful bands. It has a metal surface upon which one can stand. - CORRECT ANS- - It is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. AND Its surface gases form into colorful bands. Select the correct answer. Which feature indicates that Mars resides in the inner region of the solar system? A. It is the coldest planet in the solar system. B. It has a rocky surface that one could firmly stand on. C. It contains a faint system of 13 rings. D. It holds more than 76 satellites. - CORRECT ANS- - B. It has a rocky surface that one could firmly stand on.

Select the correct answer. Which feature signifies to astronomers that a distant star is part of a planetary system? A. The star periodically dims. B. The star expands into a red giant. C. The star moves through the sky. D. The star continuously gets brighter. - CORRECT ANS- - A. The star periodically dims. Select the correct answer. Which statement accurately describes a similarity between Earth and Venus? A. Both planets have an atmosphere primarily composed of oxygen. B. Both planets show evidence of volcanic activity. C. Both planets have retrograde rotation (clockwise, as viewed from above). D. Both planets contain liquid water at their surface. - CORRECT ANS- - B. Both planets show evidence of volcanic activity. Drag each tile to the correct star. Not all tiles will be used. (Use the link to see the tiles and label it with the correct star) https://us-static.z-dn.net/files/d53/28954e8023b0f3fb45f289e7a2ea3fea.jpg Identify the element present in each star based on the gaps observed in the wavelengths of its light. Refer to this table containing the absorption wavelengths (in nm) of several elements: Element Absorption Wavelength (in nm) helium 447, 502, 587, 668

carbon. 427 515, 600, 678 sulfur. 425, 565, 639, 675 xenon. 484, 590, 687 calcium. 429, 527, 593, 645 silver. 421, 521, 662 XENON, CARBON, SILVER, HELIUM, CALCIUM, SULFUR - CORRECT ANS- - star 1-HELIUM star 2-SULFUR star 3-CARBON