Stars and Galaxies FSAS Assessment Practice

The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram shows the positions of stars based on their different characteristics. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star that is visible from Earth without a telescope. At which location on the diagram does Betelgeuse belong?

• region B

• region C

• region D

• region E

The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram shows the positions of stars based on their different characteristics. Proxima Centauri is a red dwarf star on the main sequence. At which region on the diagram does this star belong?

• region A

• region AB

• region B

• region E

Which statement correctly compares the sizes of different types of galaxies?

• Spiral galaxies are generally larger than irregular galaxies.

• Elliptical galaxies are generally smaller than spiral galaxies.

• Spiral galaxies are generally about the same size as irregular galaxies.

• Irregular galaxies are generally about the same size as elliptical galaxies.

To determine the distance of a faraway star, astronomers observe the star from two points along Earth’s orbit. How can they use these observations to calculate the distance of the star from Earth?

• They use the change in the apparent size of the star they view.

• They use the difference in time it takes the light to reach Earth.

• They use the angle between the directions of the observations.

• They use the shift in the wavelength of light emitted by the star.

How are telescopes and spectroscopes used to make different observations of objects in space?

• Telescopes observe only visible light, but spectroscopes observe the entire spectrum of wavelengths.

• Telescopes observe certain wavelengths of light, but spectroscopes spread light into different wavelengths.

• Telescopes observe only light from nearby galaxies, but spectroscopes analyze light throughout the universe.

• Telescopes observe only a relatively small area of the night sky, but spectroscopes can detect light from a much larger area.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

NGSS.HS-PS4-4

The life cycle of the Sun is determined primarily by its mass. Which of the following would NOT be part of its life cycle if it instead had 10 times its current mass?

• black hole

• supergiant

• white dwarf

• neutron star

The diagram shows how a red supergiant star can become a supernova. What must happen inside the supergiant in order for this to occur?

• The mass of the star decreases.

• Gravity causes the star to collapse.

• The rate of nuclear fusion increases.

• Hydrogen deep within the star begins to fuse.

Which of the following is a property of a star you need to know in order to determine its apparent magnitude?

• the type of galaxy the star is in

• the distance of the star from Earth

• other stars that appear near the star

• the wavelengths of light the star emits

Analyze this model of the Sun’s structure. Which statement correctly describes one of the regions on the model?

• The radiative zone is a shell composed of cooler hydrogen.

• The convection zone is the part that emits solar prominences.

• The photosphere is the outermost region that has solar flares.

• The chromosphere is the bright part of the Sun that you can see.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Examine the image of the galaxy. What are most likely properties of this galaxy?

• It has older stars and little or no gas and dust.

• Up to half its mass is gas and dust with many young stars.

• Almost all of its mass is gas and dust with scattered star-forming regions.

• The center has older and closer stars with younger stars in the outer parts.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3