Space Physcis

Question 1

Galaxy

Answer 1

A large system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter bound together by gravity.

Question 1

The Solar System

Answer 1

Consists of the Sun, planets, moons, and other objects orbiting the Sun.

Question 2

Universe

Answer 2

All existing matter and space considered as a whole.

Question 3

Redshift

Answer 3

The increase in wavelength (and corresponding decrease in frequency) of light from a receding object, indicating the object is moving away.

Question 4

Big Bang Theory

Answer 4

The prevailing cosmological model explaining the origin of the universe as an expansion from a singularity approximately 13.8 billion years ago.

Question 5

Black Hole

Answer 5

A region of space having a gravitational field so intense that no matter or radiation can escape.

Question 6

Life Cycle of Stars

Answer 6

The sequence of stages that a star goes through from its formation to its end, including stages such as nebula, main sequence, red giant or supergiant, and either white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole depending on its mass.

Question 7

What evidence supports the Big Bang theory?

Answer 7

Evidence includes the cosmic microwave background radiation, the redshift of galaxies indicating the universe is expanding, and the abundance of light elements such as hydrogen and helium.

Question 8

Describe the life cycle of a star similar to the Sun.

Answer 8

A star like the Sun goes through the following stages: nebula, main sequence, red giant, planetary nebula, and finally, white dwarf.

Question 9

What is a black hole and how is it formed?

Answer 9

A black hole is a region in space with a gravitational field so strong that not even light can escape it. It forms from the remnants of a massive star that has undergone gravitational collapse after a supernova explosion.

Question 10

Explain how redshift provides evidence for the expansion of the universe.

Answer 10

Redshift occurs when the light from distant galaxies is stretched to longer wavelengths as the galaxies move away from us. This shift to the red end of the spectrum indicates that the universe is expanding.

Question 11

How does nuclear fusion in stars produce energy?

Answer 11

Nuclear fusion in stars occurs when hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. This energy is produced because the mass of the resulting helium nucleus is less than the total mass of the original hydrogen nuclei, with the mass difference converted to energy