Earth & Space Science Semester 1 Final Exam

The earliest astronomers observed the Sun's daily motion across the sky. Until the early 1500s, astronomers believed the Sun's apparent motion was evidence that the Sun revolved around Earth. Today, the Sun still moves across the sky every day, but astronomers no longer believe that it revolves around Earth. Why has the theory explaining the Sun's motion changed, while the observation of the Sun's motion has remained the same?

• Scientists have developed new theories that do not require evidence derived from observations.

• New technology has shown that the human eye cannot adequately observe the Sun's motion across the sky

• New technology and research has allowed scientists to reevaluate the conclusions drawn from the original observation.

What evidence exists to support the big bang theory?

• Earth orbits the Sun.

• The universe is still constantly expanding.

• . All objects in the universe are always growing.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

What is the main difference between the heliocentric theory and geocentric theory of the solar system?

• The heliocentric theory has Earth as the center of the solar system, and the geocentric theory has the Sun as the center of the solar system.

• The heliocentric theory has the Sun as the center of the solar system, and the geocentric theory has the Earth has the center of the solar system.

• The heliocentric theory has the Sun moving around the Earth, and the geocentric theory has Earth moving around the Sun.

What is the term for large-scale groups of stars bound together by gravitational attraction?

• Constellations

• Planets

• Galaxies

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Which planets in the table are considered to be gas giants due to the compositions of their atmospheres?

• . Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune because of the hydrogen and helium

• . Uranus, Neptune, and Venus because of the methane and nitrogen

• Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars because of the carbon dioxide and oxygen

Which inner planet has the most similar atmospheric composition to the gas giants?

• Mercury because its atmosphere contains both hydrogen and helium.

• Mars because its atmosphere contains both carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

• Venus because its atmosphere contains both carbon dioxide and nitrogen

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Why do planets orbit the Sun?

• The planets are drawn to the Sun's magnetic poles.

• The planets are drawn to the Sun because there is no weight in space.

• The planets are held in orbit by the gases from the Sun.

• The planets are held in orbit because of the gravity created by the Sun

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Inertia is defined as the tendency of an object to resist a change in motion. Objects moving in space tend to move in straight lines because of inertia. If this is the case, then why do planets orbit in elliptical paths?

• The magnetic force caused by the lining up of the distant stars pushes the planets into curved paths

• The speed of the planets and the gravitational pull of the Sun cause the planets' curved paths.

• The force of gravity between planets keeps them on a curved path and prevents them from leaving the solar system.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Without gravity, objects in the solar system would

• move in straight lines

• orbit much faster.

• orbit much slower.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Which of the following is another name for meteors?

• comets

• shooting star

• meteorites