PHS 200 Final Exam Study Deck Flashcards
Increase understanding of culminating knowledge from PHS 200 class
Earth Science
understanding Earth and all other celestial objects in space (all sciences); includes geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy
Location of Earth Science Study
outdoors or laboratory
Geology
study of earth and rock formations
Oceanography
study of the ocean
Meteorology
study of atmosphere and weather patterns
Astronomy
study of the universe
Geologic time
span of time since Earth’s formation; analogy: Washington Monument - height of monument = length of geologic time
Science
definition
natural world = consistent and predictable; scientists use observation and measurement; understood through careful, systematic study
Cloud types
determined by nephrologists(study clouds) and time/place of formation
Hypothesis vs. theory
hypothesis = untested explanation/prediction; theory = well-tested hypothesis that is based on facts
Steps in Scientific process
1.) Question
2.)Background research
3.)Hypothesis
4.)Observations/Experiments
5.)Analyze data
6.)Evaluation/turns into theory
Ancient View vs. Modern View of Astronomy
-Ancient astronomy beliefs = positions and movements of celestial objects (planets)
-Modern astronomy beliefs= orgin of celestial objects and movement
Geocentric vs. Heliocentric
-Geocentric: Earth = center of universe
-Heliocentric: Sun = center of solar system
Chinese Contributions to Ancient Astronomy
record-keeping (Sun, Moon, and planet positions vs. fixed stars); predicted Comets, but not sure how or why; comets = mystical (=bad omens and worldly disasters)
“Golden Age” of Astronomy
centered in Greece; measured size and distance of Sun and Moon
Greek word “planetai”
Greek for “wanderers”
Retrograde
Planets = reverse motion of orbit
Ptolemaic
Earth-centered system of the universe; uses terms epicycles (smaller circles of orbit of planets) and deferents (Earth’s large circle orbit)
Eratosthenes
First person to establish the size of Earth
What type of shadow does Earth give?
not cyllindrical
Curved and spherical shadow
Weather (definition)
state of atmosphere at a give time or place (varies daily)
Climate (definition)
aka “average weather”; generalization of weather conditions (based on gradual observations); variations and extremes are included; ex: rainfall, dryness of atmosphere, air quality, humidity
Elements (definition)
quantities or properties that are measured regularly (of weather/climate: 6 types = air temperature, humidity, type/amount of cloudiness, type/amount of precipitation, air pressure, and speed/direction of wind
Perihelion vs Aphelion (definitions)
Perihelion = point of Earth CLOSEST TO Sun (summer); Aphelion = point of Earth FARTHEST FROM Sun (winter); (both while in points of orbit)
Cause of Seasons
- Gradual change in angle (altitude) of Sun above horizon
-Daylight changes
Earth’s Orbit Angle (Inclination of axis)
23.5 degrees; pointed toward North Star
Solstices and Equinoxes
-Solstices = summer (June 21st) and winter (December 21st)
-Equinoxes = spring (March 21st) and fall (September 21st)
Constellations and Zodiac (definitions)
-Constellations = patterns of stars in the night sky; ex: Orion the Hunter
-Zodiac = planets, Sun and Moon = all appear in band in sky (ex: Capricorn, Scorpio)
Celestial Sphere (definition)
Imaginary hollow sphere (stars = hung and carried around Earth); N and S celestial poles; celestial equator
-Measurements = direction (degrees clockwise from due North) and altitude above horizon (location of astronomical objects); angular size and distance
Mean Solar Day vs. Sidereal Day
-Mean Solar Day = average time between two passages of Sun across local celestial median
-Sidereal day = period of Earth’s rotation with respect to the stars
Orbit of Earth/planets
Ecliptic orbits
Synodic month (definition)
period of revolution of the Moon in respect to the Sun; 29.5 days
Sidereal month (definition)
Revolution of Moon around Earth in respect to the stars
Phases of Moon/# of phases
6 phases; crescent (2 days after New Moon), waxing (1 week after Crescent Moon), first-quarter (1 week after waxing moon), full moon (one week after first-quarter moon), waning (1 week after Full moon), and new moon (1 week after waning moon)