Structure of the Universe Study Guide

Which structure includes all matter and space that exists?

• a. A planetary system
• b. A star
• c. A galaxy
• d. The universe

The universe is mostly:

• a. Made of stars
• b. Gas and dust clouds
• c. Rocky planets, moons and extraterrestrial objects such as asteroids
• d. Empty space

What is a planetary system?

• a. A cluster of planets
• b. Planets that orbit a star (or stars)
• c. A star (or stars) that orbit a large planet
• d. A group of extraterrestrial objects (such as asteroids) that orbit a planet

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

What is a light year?

• a. The distance light travels in one year
• b. A way to compare the speed of light to the speed of sound
• c. The amount of light energy emitted by star during one year
• d. A way to measure the age of our universe

What is the Big Bang Theory?

• a. The most accepted scientific explanation for the creation of the universe
• b. The theory that the universe inflated rapidly from an infinitely small, dense spot
• c. A very unpopular theory that is not supported by any evidence
• d. Both a and b

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

According to the Big Bang Theory, what happened during the first second of the universe’s existence?

• a. The universe expanded from smaller than a single atom to bigger than a galaxy
• b. Hydrogen atoms began to form
• c. The universe is a cold, -200 degrees Celsius
• d. The Milky Way Galaxy begins to form

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

How is the size of our universe changing today?

• a. The universe is expanding (getting bigger)
• b. The universe is contracting (getting smaller)
• c. The size of the universe is steady – it’s not getting bigger or smaller

Which of the following is NOT a piece of evidence for the occurrence of the Big Bang?

• a. The light from distant stars shifts towards the color red
• b. There is very low energy radiating in every direction throughout the universe
• c. The universe is starting to contract (get smaller)
• d. Most stars are made of hydrogen and helium – the first elements created in the universe

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

According to the graph below, the majority of the universe is made of:

• a. Dark matter
• b. Dark energy
• c. Ordinary matter
• d. Hydrogen

Which substance is responsible for the expansion of our universe?

• a. Dark energy
• b. Dark matter
• c. Ordinary matter
• d. None of the above – our universe is not expanding