Universe and Earth Formation

Question 1

Raisin bread analogy

What is the Expanding Universe Theory?

Answer 1

The Expanding Universe Theory is a theory in which the whole universe EXPANDS BY VOLUME. This is due to the rate of velocity moving away with the distance between the galaxies. Discovered by Edwin Hubble in 1929.

Question 2

How did the universe and the solar system form?

Answer 2

• The universe was formed by the BIG BANG THEORY. The Big Bang theory is all the matter/energy packed together into one very small point, and then the big explosion which caused the universe to expand.
• The Solar System was formed by the NEBULAR THEORY. It is about how the solar system formed because of a gas cloud which spun into a disk and the material inside it made different planets etc.

Question 3

How did the Moon form?

Answer 3

The Moon formed when a small planet and the Earth collided, and it was formed from the ring of debris.

Question 4

Can you describe the structure of the Earth? (core/mantle/crust)?

Answer 4

The structure of the Earth is:

1. The crust - which is like the SHELL of the Earth.
2. The mantle - solid for the most part and hot enough to flow.
3. Outer core - liquid because of geothermal gradient (TEMP CHANGE IN EARTH).
4. Inner core - is solid and hottest part of Earth.

Question 5

Can you describe the different types of geological evidence that geologists use to study the Earth’s internal structure?

Answer 5

Geologists study Earth’s inner structure by:

1. Seismic waves - which are created by earthquakes.
2. Seismic tomography - map of inner Earth.
3. Experiments used to mimic Earth’s conditions.
4. Study meteorites to tell us what Earth is made of.