Astronomy Practice Problems

What is a binary star system?

• A system with two galaxies orbiting each other

• A system with two black holes merging

• A system with two stars orbiting a common center of mass

• A system with one star and one planet in orbit

• A system with two planets orbiting each other

What is the main reason that binary star systems are important for astronomers?

• They provide a method for determining the mass of stars

• They are the most common type of star system in the universe

• They produce the most powerful supernovae

• They are the primary source of gravitational waves

• They are the main source of elements heavier than iron

What is the typical temperature of a sunspot compared to the surrounding solar surface?

• Cooler by 1,000 K

• Cooler by 1,500 K

• Cooler by 2,000 K

• Cooler by 2,500 K

• Cooler by 3,000 K

Which of the following is a potential effect of increased sunspot activity on Earth?

• Enhanced auroras

• Decreased sea levels

• Formation of new ozone holes

• Altered ocean currents

• Increased volcanic activity

What causes sunspots to appear on the surface of the Sun?

• Cosmic radiation

• The Sun's magnetic field

• The Moon's gravitational pull

• Solar flares

• Solar winds

What is the innermost layer of the Sun, where nuclear fusion occurs?

• Radiative Zone

• Photosphere

• Core

• Chromosphere

• Convective Zone

Which layer of the Sun is responsible for producing the majority of its visible light?

• Core

• Radiative Zone

• Photosphere

• Convective Zone

• Chromosphere

What is the primary process that generates energy within the Sun's core?

• Fission

• Fusion

• Radioactive decay

• Gravitational collapse

• Magnetic reconnection

What is the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere, which extends millions of kilometers into space?

• Core

• Photosphere

• Chromosphere

• Convective Zone

• Corona

What is the primary mechanism that transfers energy from the Sun's radiative zone to its photosphere?

• Radiation

• Conduction

• Convection

• Magnetic reconnection

• Gravitational collapse