1. THE EARTH IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM Flashcards
Which of the following celestial bodies emit their own light?
1 The Sun
2 The Moon
3 Stars
4 Planets
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 3, and 4 only
d) All of the above
Answer:
a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
The Sun and stars emit their own light. The Moon and planets reflect the light of stars.
The term “planet” is derived from the Greek word “Planetai,” which means:
a) Celestial bodies
b) Shining objects
c) Wanderers
d) Stationary bodies
Answer:
c) Wanderers
Explanation:
Planets are called “wanderers” because they appear to move across the night sky relative to the fixed background of stars.
- The term “Pole Star” refers to a star that:
a) Appears to move along with other stars in the sky.
b) Changes its position in the sky over time.
c) Remains fixed in its position in the northern sky.
d) Shines brighter than all other stars in the night sky.
Answer:
c) Remains fixed in its position in the northern sky.
Explanation:
The Pole Star (North Star) appears stationary because it lies almost directly above the Earth’s rotational
Which of the following planets have rings around them that can be seen using powerful telescopes?
1 Jupiter
2 Venus
3 Saturn
4 Uranus
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 3, and 4 only
d) All of the above
Answer:
c) 1, 3, and 4 only
Explanation:
Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus have rings around them. Venus does not have rings.
Which of the following is the primary reason why stars appear smaller and dimmer compared to the Sun?
a) They are made of different materials.
b) They emit less light than the Sun.
c) They are located much farther from Earth than the Sun.
d) They are partially blocked by the atmosphere.
Answer:
c) They are located much farther from Earth than the Sun.
Explanation:
Stars look small and dim because of their vast distance from Earth, although many are larger and brighter than the Sun.
- Which of the following statements regarding constellations is/are correct?
1 They are groups of stars forming recognizable patterns.
2 They are stationary and remain unchanged over time.
3 Saptarishi is a part of the Ursa Major constellation.
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) All of the above
Answer:
a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Constellations are patterns formed by stars, but the stars are not stationary; they move, though this motion is imperceptible over human lifetimes.
Why can’t we see stars during the daytime?
a) Stars stop emitting light during the day.
b) The Sun’s brightness overwhelms the light from the stars.
c) Stars move to a different part of the sky.
d) The Earth’s shadow blocks the stars’ light.
Answer:
b) The Sun’s brightness overwhelms the light from the stars.
Explanation:
The intense brightness of sunlight scatters in the atmosphere, making the faint light of stars invisible during the day.
- What is the significance of the North Star in navigation?
a) It is the brightest star in the night sky.
b) It indicates the direction of the North Pole.
c) It changes its position depending on the observer’s location.
d) It moves across the sky in a fixed pattern.
Answer:
b) It indicates the direction of the North Pole.
Explanation:
The North Star is almost aligned with Earth’s rotational axis, making it a reliable indicator of the north direction.
What distinguishes planets from stars in the night sky?
a) Planets twinkle, while stars do not.
b) Planets move relative to the background stars, while stars remain fixed.
c) Planets emit their own light, while stars reflect it.
d) Planets are visible only through telescopes, while stars are not.
Answer:
b) Planets move relative to the background stars, while stars remain fixed.
Explanation:
Planets move across the sky over time relative to the fixed positions of stars, earning them the name “wanderers.”
Arrange the following celestial bodies in increasing order of their average distance from Earth:
1 Moon
2 Sun
3 Mars
4 Jupiter
a) 1, 3, 2, 4
b) 1, 3, 4, 2
c) 3, 1, 2, 4
d) 1, 2, 3, 4
Answer:
b) 1, 3, 4, 2
Explanation:
The Moon is closest to Earth, followed by Mars, Jupiter, and then the Sun.
Which of the following constellations is most easily visible in the Northern Hemisphere during summer?
a) Orion
b) Ursa Major
c) Pegasus
d) Scorpio
Answer:
b) Ursa Major
Explanation:
Ursa Major, including the Saptarishi, is prominent in the Northern Hemisphere during summer.
Which of the following explains why the Moon appears to have phases throughout the month?
a) The Moon’s rotation on its axis.
b) The varying distance of the Moon from the Earth.
c) The changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.
d) The Moon’s uneven surface reflecting sunlight differently.
Answer:
c) The changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.
Explanation:
Phases of the Moon occur because of the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun, which change as the Moon orbits Earth.
Why do stars twinkle but planets do not?
a) Stars emit their own light, whereas planets reflect sunlight.
b) Stars are farther away, and their light passes through more atmospheric layers.
c) Stars move rapidly in the sky, causing their light to flicker.
d) Planets have smoother surfaces, preventing twinkling.
Answer:
b) Stars are farther away, and their light passes through more atmospheric layers.
Explanation:
The atmospheric refraction of light from distant stars causes twinkling. Planets, being closer, appear steadier as their light undergoes less refraction.
The primary factor determining whether a celestial body is classified as a star or a planet is:
a) Its distance from Earth.
b) Its ability to emit its own light.
c) Its size and shape.
d) Its movement in the sky.
Answer:
b) Its ability to emit its own light.
Explanation:
Stars produce their own light through nuclear fusion, while planets reflect the light of stars.
Which of the following features is unique to the Moon among natural satellites in the Solar System?
a) It has no atmosphere.
b) It shows the same face to its planet (Earth) at all times.
c) It orbits its planet in a circular path.
d) It reflects sunlight during the day and night.
Answer:
b) It shows the same face to its planet (Earth) at all times.
Explanation:
The Moon’s synchronous rotation ensures the same side always faces Earth.
Which of the following celestial events is directly influenced by the Moon’s gravitational pull?
a) Eclipses
b) Tides on Earth
c) Auroras in polar regions
d) Formation of constellations
Answer:
b) Tides on Earth
Explanation:
The Moon’s gravitational pull creates tidal forces, leading to high and low tides on Earth.
- The Sun is primarily composed of which of the following gases?
a) Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide
b) Helium and Hydrogen
c) Hydrogen and Nitrogen
d) Helium and Methane
Answer:
b) Helium and Hydrogen
Explanation:
The Sun is mostly composed of hydrogen (about 75%) and helium (about 24%), with trace amounts of other elements.
- Which of the following statements about the Sun’s energy is correct?
a) It is produced by nuclear fission in its core.
b) It is produced by the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium.
c) It originates from chemical reactions on its surface.
d) It is a result of gravitational contraction.
Answer:
b) It is produced by the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium.
Explanation:
The Sun generates energy through nuclear fusion, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing massive amounts of energy.
Which of the following facts about the Sun is incorrect?
a) The Sun is approximately 150 million kilometers away from Earth.
b) The Sun is the only star in the solar system.
c) The Sun’s energy comes from fission reactions in its outer layers.
d) The Sun is the ultimate source of heat and light for the solar system.
Answer:
c) The Sun’s energy comes from fission reactions in its outer layers.
Explanation:
The Sun’s energy is produced by fusion reactions, not fission, and occurs in its core, not the outer layers.
Why does the Sun appear less hot to us than it actually is?
a) Earth’s magnetic field reduces the Sun’s heat.
b) The Sun’s heat dissipates in space.
c) The vast distance between the Sun and Earth reduces the heat felt.
d) Atmospheric absorption nullifies most of the Sun’s heat.
Answer:
c) The vast distance between the Sun and Earth reduces the heat felt.
Explanation:
Despite being intensely hot, the Sun’s heat diminishes by the time it travels the 150 million kilometers to Earth.