The Big Bang Theory offers an explanation about the formation of the universe as we know it. Discoveries and the dialogue that follow continue to add more evidence supporting the theory. New evidence leads to logical reasoning about the details of the universe's beginning and adds more credibility to the theory. How does scientific theory relate to the scientific method of inquiry?

• Theory cannot be tested.

• Theory determines observations.

• Theory cannot be shared with others.

• Theory changes as new data is collected.

Which of these is a characteristic of the Big Bang Theory?

• Contradicting data has invalidated the theory.

• A single piece of Hubble telescope data provides the basis for the theory.

• Because no one is around who witnessed the event, the theory is not testable by gathering data.

• To date, the theory is consistent with all available data, including mathematical models with observations.

Which term represents the strongest, most powerful scientific explanation?

• conclusion

• hypothesis

• law

• theory

Which of the following is an example of evidence that lends support to the Big Bang theory?

• All galaxies are moving away from our galaxy.

• All the stars in our galaxy are decreasing in brightness.

• All galaxies are moving toward one common center.

• All the stars in our galaxy are increasing in brightness.

Astronomers use various instruments to gather data that supports the Big Bang Theory, including the spectrograph, which photographs light spectra. Why is a spectrograph useful in supporting the Big Bang Theory?

• It collects radiation samples.

• It gathers microwave background data.

• It measures the redshift of light sources.

• It measures the angles between celestial objects.

Galaxies are classified according to their shape. Four galaxies are shown below. Which one is an irregular galaxy?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

The Sun is a massive star at the center of our Solar System. The planets closest to the Sun are terrestrial planets, and those farther away are gas giants. Which force maintains this arrangement of the Solar System?

• electromagnetism

• friction

• gravity

• torsion

According to the theory of electromagnetism, which one of the following statements is correct concerning the relationship of all the waves listed in the electromagnetic spectrum?

• The waves in the electromagnetic spectrum all have similar wave frequencies but vary in their wavelength, which is used to identify the types of waves.

• The waves in the electromagnetic spectrum all vary in speed as they travel through the vacuum of space, which is used to identify the types of waves.

• The waves in the electromagnetic spectrum all vary in wavelength and wave frequency, which are used to identify the types of waves.

• The waves in the electromagnetic spectrum all vary by wave frequency and wave speed, which are used to identify the types of waves.

The sun produces electromagnetic energy that reaches Earth in the form of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. This includes gamma rays and x-rays, which are high energy and can cause damage to the cells and tissues of living things. How are we most protected from the damaging gamma rays and x-rays from the Sun that bombard Earth on a daily basis?

• We are protected from damaging gamma rays and x-rays by using sunscreen regularly.

• We are protected from damaging gamma rays and x-rays by being so close to the moon.

• We are protected from damaging gamma rays and x-rays by the gases in Earth’s atmosphere.

• We are protected from damaging gamma rays and x-rays by the structures that we live and work in.

Below is a diagram of a wave. What is the name of the distance between point A and B?

• amplitude

• frequency

• trough

• wavelength