Space

Question 1

Suggest what is likely to cause a theory to be dropped.

Answer 1

New evidence or observations that cannot be described by the theory

Question 2

Explain how galaxies moving away from each other supports the Big Bang theory.

Answer 2

the furthest galaxies show the biggest red-shift
and are therefore moving the fastest
so the universe is expanding
extrapolating backwards, this suggests the universe started from a single point

Question 3

Describe how stars are formed.

Answer 3

When dust and hydrogen gas
get pulled together
by gravitational attraction

Question 4

Why are telescopes that detect different types of electromagnetic waves used to observe the Universe?

Answer 4

stars and galaxies emit different types of electromagnetic waves

Question 5

What is red-shift?

Answer 5

when the wavelength of light increases

Question 6

If a galaxy has moved away the furthest…

Answer 6

it is moving the fastest

Question 7

What should scientists do if they found new evidence that did not support the Big Bang theory?

Answer 7

they should change the theory to match the evidence

Question 8

What is meant by red shift and what does it tell us about distant galaxies?

Answer 8

longer wavelength waves
galaxies are moving away from the earth

Question 9

What did Hubble discover through red-shift?

Answer 9

that galaxies are moving away from the earth

Question 10

reliability

Answer 10

consistency of measure

Question 11

accuracy

Answer 11

how close you are to the final value

Question 12

validity

Answer 12

accuracy of measure

Question 13

Explain why scientists believe that the Solar System was formed from the material produced when earlier stars exploded.

Answer 13

solar systems contain heavy elements
which are formed by nuclear fusion
in supernova explosions

Question 14

Suggest a reason why scientists were keen to carry out new research into the universe.

Answer 14

to find evidence to prove or disprove a theory

Question 15

What should scientists do when a theory does not appear to be supported by new data?

Answer 15

check the reliability of the data
adapt/amend the theory

Question 16

Why was the discovery of CMBR so important to the scientists believing the ‘Big Bang’ theory to be correct?

Answer 16

can only be explained by the Big Bang theory

Question 17

v = fλ

Answer 17

wave speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m)

Question 18

What information can scientists find out about a galaxy when they measure the size of the red-shift the galaxy produces?

Answer 18

distance from the earth
speed galaxy is travelling

Question 19

Why is fusion so important?

Answer 19

it produces energy

Question 20

What is a black hole?

Answer 20

is extremely dense
that pulls light in

Question 21

What is produced as the gases from a star spiral into a black hole?

Answer 21

x-rays

Question 22

Explain how atoms of very heavy elements, such as gold (Au), were formed.

Answer 22

fusion of lighter elements
during a supernova explosion

Question 23

Explain the difference between a protostar and a main sequence star.

Answer 23

a protostar is at a lower temperature
as nuclear fusion reactions have not started in its core

Question 24

Where does nuclear fusion take place?

Answer 24

in stars
in a supernova