Unit 1 Flashcards
What observations led to the acceptance of the Big Bang theory?
The 3 pillars of proof
What are the steps of the scientific method?
- Make Observation 2. Invent Hypothesis 3. Test Hypothesis 4. Becomes a Theory 5. Test Theory 6. Becomes a Law
Define and how to measure time and space
Using light years
What is Cosmic Microwave Background?
Represents the last remnants of the light/heat energy of the Big Bang’s initial expansion
What is the Abundance of Light Elements?
Originated from one single ratio of the first subatomic particles of matter that can be formed from a super-hot environment, Hydrogen & Helium
What makes up the most matter in the universe, dark matter or stars?
Dark Matter
How can we know the age of the universe? (3 ways)
Radioactivity, Hubble’s Expansion Constant and CMB Radiation
How do we measure distances in space (2 different units of measure)?
Astronomical Units or Light Years
Will the Milky Way ever crash with the Andromeda galaxy?
Yes, maybe in like 4 billion years
What happens at each stage of Nebular Hypothesis? (collapse, flattening, condensation, growth of planets)
Collapse: atoms began banging and producing heat, the collapse started the accelerate, started to collide more frequently, heat eventually couldn’t escape, stops further collapsing.
Flattening: conservation of angular momentum, some circulation/motion of gas inside. Condensation: In the cool areas, temp was low enough that everything condensed. Growth: as materials condensed, they grew into pebbles which eventually became planets
Why is the Sun hot?
Because nuclear fusion creates heat
Why is the solar system a flat disc?
Because of the conservation of angular momentum, rapid spinning of orbital material leads to flattening out
Why did all planets originally move in the same direction around the Sun?
From the original momentum from the nebula
The interior planets are made from condensed refractory materials, what happened to the more volatile gases?
Remained completely gaseous
What is the solar wind?
Continuous outflow of charged particles that stream out through the Solar System at a velocity of several hundred km per second
