Earth/Space Semester 1 Flashcard

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is a massive explosion of a star that occurs at the end of its life cycle, resulting in a bright, short-lived burst of energy.

Front

Rank the following astronomical objects by size from smallest to largest: earth, sun, solar system, galaxy, universe.

Back

Earth, Sun, Solar System, Galaxy, Universe.

Front

Which color of visible light has the shortest wavelength?

Back

Violet has the shortest wavelength in the visible light spectrum.

Front

What was the purpose of the Pathfinder in the movie The Martian?

Back

In the movie The Martian, the protagonist hopes to use Pathfinder as a radio to communicate.

Front

What happens to sound waves when a firetruck is approaching you?

Back

The sound waves become shorter as the firetruck approaches due to the Doppler effect.

Front

Define a nebula.

Back

A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space, often the birthplace of stars.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.

Front

Explain the Doppler effect in sound.

Back

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

Front

What is the difference between a galaxy and a solar system?

Back

A galaxy is a vast collection of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity, while a solar system consists of a star and the celestial bodies that orbit it.

Front

What is the significance of the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, radio waves, and X-rays, and is crucial for understanding various physical phenomena.