The universe Flashcards
What is the Big Bang Theory?
The Big Bang Theory is the leading explanation for the origin of the universe, stating that it began as a singularity approximately 13.8 billion years ago.
True or False: The universe is expanding.
True
What is a light year?
A light year is the distance that light travels in one year, approximately 9.46 trillion kilometers.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the closest galaxy to the Milky Way.
Andromeda
What are the four fundamental forces of nature?
The four fundamental forces are gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear forces.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is not a type of galaxy? A) Spiral B) Elliptical C) Spherical D) Irregular
C) Spherical
What is a black hole?
A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.
True or False: All stars have a life cycle that includes stages of formation, main sequence, and death.
True
What is the difference between a planet and a star?
A planet orbits a star and does not produce its own light, while a star generates energy through nuclear fusion.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the name given to the observable universe.
Cosmos
What is dark matter?
Dark matter is a form of matter that does not emit light or energy, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects.
Multiple Choice: Which planet is known as the Red Planet? A) Venus B) Mars C) Jupiter D) Saturn
B) Mars
What is the role of gravity in the universe?
Gravity is the force that attracts objects with mass towards each other, playing a crucial role in the formation and structure of the universe.
True or False: The universe is static and does not change over time.
False
What is a supernova?
A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion that occurs at the end of a star’s life cycle, often resulting in the formation of a neutron star or black hole.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is a supermassive black hole located at the center of the Milky Way galaxy.
Sagittarius A*
What is the redshift phenomenon?
Redshift is the phenomenon where light from an object is shifted to longer wavelengths, indicating that the object is moving away from the observer.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of a neutron star? A) High density B) High temperature C) Strong magnetic fields D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid?
A comet is an icy body that releases gas and dust when it approaches the sun, while an asteroid is a rocky body that does not produce a tail.
True or False: The Milky Way is the only galaxy in the universe.
False
What is cosmic microwave background radiation?
Cosmic microwave background radiation is the afterglow radiation from the Big Bang, filling the universe and providing evidence of its early hot state.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is a region in space where the gravitational pull prevents escape from its influence.
Event horizon
What is a quasar?
A quasar is an extremely bright and distant active galactic nucleus powered by a supermassive black hole.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a planet in our solar system? A) Earth B) Pluto C) Sun D) Neptune
C) Sun
What is the approximate age of the universe?
The universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old.
