Unit 9 Review

All of the following are ways that the atmosphere makes the existence of life on Earth possible EXCEPT —

• maintains a constant temperature

• shields Earth from small collisions

• offers protection from radiation

• allows for gas exchange between plants and animals

Answer explanation

The atmosphere does not maintain a constant temperature, but rather helps regulate it by trapping heat. The other options are ways the atmosphere supports life on Earth.

Which of the following characteristics of the Sun helps life to exist on Earth? Select all that apply.

• 4: The Sun’s solar flares and storms shower the Earth with additional radiation

• 1: The Sun’s gravity keeps the Earth in a consistent orbit

• 2: The Sun’s radiation provides heat to the Earth

• 5: The Sun’s spots cause cooler areas on the Sun’s surface

• 3: The Sun’s light shines on half of the Earth at a time

Answer explanation

The Sun's gravity keeps the Earth in a consistent orbit, its radiation provides heat, and its light shines on half of the Earth at a time, supporting life on Earth.

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The insulated feature of space suit layers are designed to —

• provide pure O2

• trap excessive CO2

• protect from radiation

• regulate temperature

Answer explanation

The insulated feature of space suit layers is designed to regulate temperature, not provide pure O2, trap excessive CO2, or protect from radiation.

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An astronaut’s suit provides the basic needs of the astronaut. Which of the following is NOT an accommodation provided by the astronaut's suit?

• Insulation

• Air pressure

• Waste management

• Microgravity

Answer explanation

The astronaut's suit does not provide microgravity as an accommodation, as microgravity is a natural phenomenon in space and not something that can be controlled or provided by the suit.

When astronauts are in the International Space Station, they can breathe normally in their living areas. However, when they go on a spacewalk to work on the Space Station to repair or replace parts, they must be in a spacesuit. Why must they have their own supply of oxygen within the spacesuit?

• The gases in space are poisonous to humans

• They could float off into space

• Extreme temperatures in space would harm them

• There is no atmosphere in space

Answer explanation

There is no atmosphere in space

Which characteristic of the Moon made it the best choice for the first manned space missions instead of another celestial body like Mars?

• The Moon has the most similar gravity to the Earth.

• The Moon has the most similar atmosphere to the Earth.

• The Moon is the most likely celestial body to have life.

• The Moon is the closest celestial body to the Earth.

Answer explanation

The Moon is the closest celestial body to the Earth, making it the best choice for the first manned space missions.

How does the space suit backpack help astronauts breathe in a space environment?

• Maintains air pressure to keep bodily fluids from boiling

• Stabilizes an internal temperature of 22°C (72°F)

• Provides O2 for inhaling and canisters to collect CO2

• Collects urine and solid wastes

Answer explanation

The space suit backpack provides O2 for inhaling and canisters to collect CO2, ensuring astronauts have the necessary oxygen and remove carbon dioxide in a space environment.

How has our ability to send remote-controlled devices to planets such as Mars best enhanced our understanding of the universe?

• It has made it possible for astronauts to visit distant planets in person.

• It has allowed us to visually explore distant planets without endangering anyone.

• It has permitted our exploration to only planets with atmospheres similar to ours.

• It has enabled us to collect soil samples from distant planets and bring them back to Earth.

Answer explanation

It has allowed us to visually explore distant planets without endangering anyone.

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Which statement correctly compares the sun and planets?

• Planets have an atmosphere, the sun does not.

• Planets give off energy, the sun does not.

• Planets orbit the sun, the sun is at the center of the solar system.

• Planets are all made of solid materials, the sun is made of gases.

Answer explanation

Planets orbit the sun, the sun is at the center of the solar system.

The only planet that we know of which can sustain life is ____________.

• Earth

• Jupiter

• Mars

• Neptune

Answer explanation

The only planet known to sustain life is Earth, making it the correct choice.