E&S Midterm Exam Review

Front

____ and ___ help to explain the formation of the universe.

Back

Big Bang theory, Hubble’s Law

Answer explanation

The Big Bang theory describes the universe's origin from a singularity, while Hubble’s Law explains the expansion of the universe. Together, they provide a comprehensive understanding of how the universe formed and evolved.

Front

Which of the following planets have NO moons? Earth, Neptune, Venus, Mars

Back

Venus

Answer explanation

Venus is the only planet in our solar system that has no moons. Earth has one, Mars has two, and Neptune has 14. Therefore, the correct answer is Venus.

Front

Which of the following is an example of a periodic comet? Andromeda, Ceres, Halley's Comet, Titan

Back

Halley's Comet

Answer explanation

Halley's Comet is a well-known periodic comet that orbits the Sun approximately every 76 years. In contrast, Andromeda is a galaxy, Ceres is a dwarf planet, and Titan is a moon, making Halley's Comet the correct choice.

Front

When a meteor lands on Earth’s surface it is called a _______.

Back

Meteorite

Answer explanation

When a meteor enters Earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface, it is referred to as a meteorite. In contrast, a meteoroid is the term for a smaller object in space before it enters the atmosphere.

Front

"Helio" in heliocentric means

Back

Sun

Answer explanation

"Helio" comes from the Greek word for "Sun." In the term "heliocentric," it refers to a model of the solar system where the Sun is at the center, making "Sun" the correct answer.

Front

This picture is of which type of galaxy?

Back

Spiral galaxy

Answer explanation

The picture depicts a spiral galaxy, characterized by its distinct spiral arms and a central bulge. This structure is typical of spiral galaxies, unlike irregular or elliptical galaxies which have different shapes.

Front

Which of the following planets has the most extreme temperature change from day to night? Neptune, Uranus, Venus, Mercury

Back

Mercury

Answer explanation

Mercury experiences extreme temperature changes, ranging from about 430°C (800°F) during the day to -180°C (-290°F) at night. This is due to its thin atmosphere, which cannot retain heat, unlike the other planets listed.

Front

When a meteoroid falls into Earth’s atmosphere is is called a _______.

Back

Meteor

Answer explanation

When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it heats up and produces a bright streak of light, known as a meteor. If it survives the journey and lands on Earth, it is then called a meteorite. Thus, the correct answer is Meteor.

Front

The order of the planets is:
Mars,Venus,Earth,
Mercury,Saturn
Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune
Earth,Venus,Mars
Jupiter, Neptune,
Mercury,Saturn,
Uranus
Mercury,Venus,Earth
Mars,Jupiter,
Saturn,Uranus
Neptune

Back

Mercury,Venus,Earth
Mars,Jupiter,
Saturn,Uranus
Neptune

Answer explanation

The correct order of the planets from the Sun is Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The answer choice 'Mercury,Venus,Earth
Mars,Jupiter,
Saturn,Uranus
Neptune' accurately reflects this order.

Front

Rotation means the planet _____?

Back

spins on its axis

Answer explanation

Rotation refers to the planet spinning on its axis, which is the correct choice. This is different from traveling around the sun or throughout the solar system.