The Universe

Question 1

what is the solar system a part of

Answer 1

Solar System is part of the Milky Way galaxy

Question 2

what is a galaxy

Answer 2

a collection of stars

Question 3

what does the universe include

Answer 3

all of the galaxies

Question 4

Compare the distances from earth between the Moon, the planets, the Sun, galaxies and the Universe

Answer 4

earth>moon>sun>planets in the solar system>other stars>other galaxies

Question 5

Compare the relative sizes between the Earth, the Moon, the planets, the Sun, galaxies and the Universe

Answer 5

moon>earth>planets>the sun and other stars>galaxies>universe

Question 6

how have modern telescopes impacted our understanding of the universe

Answer 6

1) greater magnifications = we can observe galaxies that are far away
2) recording observations using photography or digital cameras = we can gather more data
3) made with greater precision = clearer images
4) telescopes can detect other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum = we can observe objects in space that ends more radio waves, infra-red, ultraviolet or x-rays than visible light

Question 7

why are telescopes located outside the atmosphere

Answer 7

1) some parts of the em spectrum are absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere.
2) telescopes must be in space to observe microwaves, infared, ultraviolet, gamma rays, and x-rays

Question 8

why do telescopes that use visible light have to be located outside the atmosphere

Answer 8

the clouds can block the view form earth. dust, water vapour and moving air can all distort visible light images, and in some places light pollution can make it difficult to see stars

Question 9

what the methods used to gather evidence for life beyond Earth

Answer 9

1) space probes fly past or go into orbit around them. the probes can take images of other planets in the solar system and send information back to earth
2) landers and rovers investigate the surfaces of planets or moons. they can take close-up images and test soil samples for microbes or for substances indicating life. a lander stays in on the planet, but a rover can move around

Question 10

what is SETI

Answer 10

SETI stands for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, information gathered by radio telescopes is analysed to see if there are any patterns in it, which could be a sign of intelligent life

Question 11

what is the steady state theory

Answer 11

says that the universe has always existed. it is expanding, and new matter is being created as it expands

Question 12

what is the big bang theory

Answer 12

the whole universe started out as a tiny particle about 13.5 billion years ago. the universe expanded from this point in space. the universe is still expanding today

Question 13

Describe evidence supporting the Big Bang theory, limited to red-shift and the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation

Answer 13

• The light from other galaxies is red-shifted. The other galaxies are moving away from us. This evidence can be used to explain both the Big Bang theory and Steady State universe.
• The further away the galaxy, the more its light is red-shifted. The most likely explanation is that the whole universe is expanding. This supports the theory that the start of the universe could have been from a single explosion.
• Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), The relatively uniform background radiation is the remains of energy created just after the Big Bang.

Question 14

which theory is most supported by evidence

Answer 14

big bang theory

Question 15

what happens if a wave source is moving relative to an observer

Answer 15

there will be a change in the observed frequency and wavelength

Question 16

Describe the red-shift in light received from galaxies at

different distances away from the Earth

Answer 16

the more distant the galaxy the greater the red-shift. this shows that the universe is expanding. red shift supports both theories as both theories say that the universe is expanding

Question 17

what does the red-shift of galaxies provides evidence

for

Answer 17

the universe expanding

Question 18

what do both the Big Bang and Steady State theories

of the origin of the Universe account for

Answer 18

Big Bang and Steady State theories of the origin of the Universe both account for red-shift of
galaxies

Question 19

what did the discovery of the CMB radiation lead to

Answer 19

discovery of the CMB radiation led to the Big Bang theory becoming the currently accepted model