Exploring the Sun and Universe

Front

Which process is primarily responsible for the sun’s energy production in its core?

Back

Nuclear fusion

Tags

IL.NGSSDCI.SCI.HS-ESS1-1

Front

What evidence do scientists use to support the Big Bang theory regarding the movement of distant galaxies?

Back

The galaxies are moving away from each other.

Answer explanation

Scientists support the Big Bang theory with evidence that galaxies are moving away from each other, indicating the universe is expanding. This phenomenon is observed through redshift, where light from distant galaxies shifts to longer wavelengths.

Tags

IL.NGSSDCI.SCI.HS-ESS1-2

Front

Which form of energy released from the sun’s core eventually reaches Earth?

Back

Radiation

Answer explanation

The energy released from the sun's core primarily takes the form of radiation, specifically electromagnetic radiation, which includes visible light. This radiation travels through space and eventually reaches Earth.

Tags

IL.NGSSDCI.SCI.HS-ESS1-1

Front

Key evidence for the Big Bang theory based on the composition of matter in the universe?

Back

The presence of mostly hydrogen and helium

Answer explanation

The Big Bang theory predicts that the universe's early state was hot and dense, leading to the formation of mostly hydrogen and helium. Their abundance supports this theory, while heavy elements formed later in stars.

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IL.NGSSDCI.SCI.HS-ESS1-2

Front

Given the sun’s life cycle, which stage comes immediately after the main sequence phase?

Back

Red giant

Answer explanation

After the main sequence phase, a star like the sun expands into a red giant. This stage occurs as the core contracts and heats up, causing the outer layers to expand significantly.

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IL.NGSSDCI.SCI.HS-ESS1-1

Front

Which observation of light spectra from distant galaxies supports the Big Bang theory?

Back

Red shift in the spectra

Answer explanation

The red shift in the spectra of distant galaxies indicates that they are moving away from us, supporting the Big Bang theory of an expanding universe. This shift is a key piece of evidence for the theory.

Tags

IL.NGSSDCI.SCI.HS-ESS1-2

Front

Using evidence from the sun’s energy output, explain how nuclear fusion in the sun’s core leads to the radiation that reaches Earth.

Back

Nuclear fusion combines hydrogen atoms to form helium, releasing energy as radiation that travels through space to Earth.

Answer explanation

Nuclear fusion in the sun's core combines hydrogen atoms into helium, releasing vast amounts of energy. This energy is emitted as radiation, which travels through space and reaches Earth, providing light and warmth.

Tags

IL.NGSSDCI.SCI.HS-ESS1-1

Front

What additional evidence best supports the claim that the Big Bang theory is supported by the observation that most galaxies are moving away from us?

Back

The measurement of cosmic microwave background radiation

Answer explanation

The measurement of cosmic microwave background radiation provides strong evidence for the Big Bang theory, as it represents the afterglow of the early universe, supporting the idea of an expanding universe where galaxies are moving away.

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IL.NGSSDCI.SCI.HS-ESS1-2

Front

Stages of the sun’s life span from formation to final stage.

Back

Nebula → Main sequence → Red giant → White dwarf

Answer explanation

The correct sequence of the sun's life stages is Nebula → Main sequence → Red giant → White dwarf. This reflects the sun's formation from a gas cloud, its stable phase, expansion into a red giant, and eventual cooling into a white dwarf.

Tags

IL.NGSSDCI.SCI.HS-ESS1-1

Front

Based on the Big Bang theory, which combination of evidence best explains the origin and evolution of the universe?

Back

The red shift of galaxies, the cosmic microwave background radiation, and the abundance of hydrogen and helium

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes the red shift of galaxies, indicating the universe is expanding, the cosmic microwave background radiation as remnant heat from the Big Bang, and the abundance of hydrogen and helium, supporting nucleosynthesis.

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IL.NGSSDCI.SCI.HS-ESS1-2