8.1 Space physics (solar system) Flashcards

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1
Q

Which galaxy is our solar system part of?

A

The Milky Way Galaxy

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2
Q

How many planets make up our solar system?

A

Eight (plus the dwarf planets)

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3
Q

What do the planets in our solar system orbit around and what type of body is it?

A
  • the planets orbit around the sun
  • the sun is a star
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4
Q

What type of force pulled together the cloud of dust and gas to form the sun?

A

gravitational force of attraction

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5
Q

What word is used to describe a cloud of dust and gas?

A

a nebula

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6
Q

What type of reactions take place at the start of a star’s life cycle as dust and gas is drawn together?

A

fusion reactions

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7
Q

What factor determines the type of lifecycle a star undergoes?

A

the size of the star

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8
Q

Which two phases do all stars of the same or greater size than the sun undergo?

A
  1. Protostar phase
  2. Main sequence phase
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9
Q

What do stars of a similar magnitude to the sun become at the end of their life-cycle?

A

A black dwarf

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10
Q

What two things can stars much bigger than the sun become at the end of their life cycle?

A
  1. Neutron star
  2. Black hole
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11
Q

What two phases do stars of similar size to the sun go through between being a main sequence star and a black dwarf?

A
  1. Red giant
  2. White dwarf
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12
Q

What two phases do stars of greater size than the sun go through between being a main sequence star and a neutron star/black hole?

A
  1. Red super giant
  2. Supernova
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13
Q

What are produced during the fusion processes in a star?

A

all of the naturally occurring elements

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14
Q

What are the naturally occurring elements?

A

all of the elements on the periodic table

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15
Q

What condition is required for fusion reactions to occur in a star?

A

very high temperatures

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16
Q

How are elements heavier than iron produced?

A

in a supernova

17
Q

What type of nuclei fuse together to form heavier elements in a star?

A

hydrogen nuclei fuse to form heavier elements

18
Q

How are elements distributed throughout the universe?

A

through the explosion of a massive star (supernova)

19
Q

What allows planets and satellites to maintain circular orbits?

A
  • gravity provides the gravitational force that acts as the objects centripetal force
  • the presence of a centripetal force allows for the object to maintain its circular orbit
20
Q

What type of satellite can a planet’s moon be described as?

A

a natural satellite

21
Q

Give two examples of artificial satellites

A
  1. TV satellites
  2. Satellites used for satellite imaging
22
Q

Explain why for a stable orbit, the radius of orbit must change if the speed changes?

A
  • At higher speeds, the object requires a greater centripetal force
  • for a greater centripetal force, the gravitational force must increase
  • this is achieved by the radius of the orbit being reduced
23
Q

Explain how the force of gravity acting on a satellite affects its speed and velocity

A
  • The force can alter its velocity since the direction is continually changing
  • It can’t cause a change of speed since there is no force component in the direction of motion