P16 Flashcards
Space
What are the planets in our solar system?
Mercury, Venus, Earth. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
Define a planet
A celestial body of mass which orbits a star
What is a moon?
A mass which orbits a planet and reflects light and sound
Explain how a star is formed (4 marks)
- planetary nebula gravitates together
- gravity pulls in and the temperature increases as a protostar is formed
- the protostar is hot and hydrogen atoms fuse together
- eventually the radiation pressure pushing outwards is equal to gravity and it becomes stable
How does a black dwarf form?
Star becomes a red giant and swells up which becomes a white dwarf and then it cools and becomes a black dwarf
How does a neutron star form?
Star becomes a red super giant which becomes unstable and turns into a small supernova, which then fades into a neutron star
How does a black hole form?
Star becomes a red super giant which becomes unstable and turns into a massive supernova, which then turns to a black hole as it collapses in on itself
How does a star become stable?
When the outward force of fusion is equal to gravity
What is a hyperbolic orbit?
Where something has a greater velocity allowing it to escape from the effects of planetary gravity
What is a parabolic orbit?
High enough velocity to escape planetary gravity (just)
What are the two types of satellite orbits?
Low polar
Geostationary
How does red shift work?
Distant galaxies which are moving further away decrease light wavelength and make it red
How does red shift support big bang theory?
All moving galaxies can be traced back to a central point
What are the three possibilities of universe expansion?
Crunch
Yawn
Exponential
What is the definition of a planet?
A celestial body that orbits a star, is spherical in shape, and has cleared its orbit of other debris.
True or False: The Earth is the only planet in our solar system that has water.
False
Fill in the blank: The ________ is the nearest star to Earth.
Sun
What force keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun?
Gravitational force
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is the largest planet in our solar system? A) Earth B) Jupiter C) Mars
B) Jupiter
What is the main component of the Sun’s atmosphere?
Hydrogen
True or False: A light year is a measure of time.
False
What is the term for a group of stars that form a recognizable pattern?
Constellation
Fill in the blank: The ________ is a region of space that is completely devoid of matter.
Vacuum
Multiple Choice: What type of galaxy is the Milky Way? A) Elliptical B) Spiral C) Irregular
B) Spiral
What is the process by which stars generate energy?
Nuclear fusion
True or False: The Moon is a planet.
False
What is the primary reason for the seasons on Earth?
The tilt of the Earth’s axis
Fill in the blank: The ________ is the region of space outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
Exosphere
Multiple Choice: Which planet is known for its rings? A) Saturn B) Venus C) Neptune
A) Saturn
What is a comet primarily made of?
Ice and dust
True or False: Black holes emit light.
False
What is the name of the force that causes tides on Earth?
Gravitational pull of the Moon
Fill in the blank: The ________ is the fourth planet from the Sun.
Mars
Multiple Choice: What is the end stage of a massive star’s life cycle? A) White dwarf B) Neutron star C) Black hole
C) Black hole
What is the term for the distance light travels in one year?
Light year
True or False: The Andromeda Galaxy is the closest galaxy to the Milky Way.
True
What do we call a star that suddenly increases in brightness?
Supernova
Fill in the blank: The ________ is the second planet from the Sun.
Venus
Multiple Choice: What is the main component of the Earth’s atmosphere? A) Oxygen B) Nitrogen C) Carbon Dioxide
B) Nitrogen
What is the significance of the Hubble Space Telescope?
It has provided deep space images and improved our understanding of the universe.
