Earth Science Final Exam Review

Which theory does the illustrations describe?

• a. Geocentric theory
• b. Heliocentric theory
• c. Big Bang theory
• d. Continental drift theory

An astronomical unit is a measure of...

• a. speed
• b. volume
• c. distance
• d. area

Which of the following is not considered a major planet?

• a. Pluto
• b. Mercury
• c. Uranus
• d. Neptune

Mars is a terrestrial planet, about half the size of Earth, with an average surface terperature of -81° F. What is the main reason why scientists think that water and possibly even life may be found on Mars, but not on Venus?

• a. Venus is too much like Earth to support life.
• b. Venus is a Gas Giant, and is therefore uninhabitable.
• c. Venus is far too hot to support life.
• d. Venus is far too cold to support any life.

What motion of the Earth does the picture best illustrate?

• a. Earth's rotation
• b. Earth's alternation
• c. Earth's constellation
• d. Earth's revolution

What would happen if the rate of Earth's revolution increased?

• a. The rotation of the Earth would also increase.
• b. The number of days in a year would decrease.
• c. The number of days in a year would increase.
• d. There would be no change.

Which shape best illustrates the orientation of a comet's gas tail as it moves closer to the Sun?

• a.
• b.
• c.
• d.

What is the scientific name for a shooting star?

• a. comet
• b. asteroid
• c. meteor
• d. meteoroid

Which of the following words means "increasing" when talking about the phases of the moon?

• a. waning
• b. rising
• c. waxing
• d. diminishing

What causes the Moon to appear to glow?

• a. The Moon produces its own light.
• b. The Moon reflects the light from the Earth.
• c. the Moon reflects the light from the Sun.
• d. the Moon reflects the light from the stars.