FSQ #2 Unit 7: The Universe

In 1929, Edwin Hubble observed the velocity at which galaxies were moving away from the Milky Way. The graph below shows the relationship between this velocity and the distance those galaxies were from the Milky Way. What conclusion can be drawn from Hubble’s data?

• Objects that are closer are moving slower, suggesting that the Universe is shrinking.

• Objects that are closer are moving faster, suggesting that the Universe is expanding.

• Objects that are farther away are moving faster, suggesting that the Universe is shrinking.

• Objects that are farther away are moving faster, suggesting that the Universe is expanding.

Answer explanation

Hubble's observations showed that galaxies farther from the Milky Way are moving away faster. This indicates that the Universe is expanding, as the velocity increases with distance.

When asked for a home address, a person typically answers by starting with the smallest geographic area and working outward to larger areas. As a result, the answer is given in the order of street, city, and state. Which list represents our address in the Universe?

• Earth, Milky Way Galaxy, Solar System

• Earth, Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy

• Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy, Earth

• Milky Way Galaxy, Solar System, Earth

Answer explanation

The correct order for our address in the Universe starts with the smallest area, Earth, followed by the Solar System, and then the Milky Way Galaxy, making 'Earth, Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy' the right choice.

Which of the following correctly describes a light-year and why scientists use it?

• A light-year is the distance light travels in one year and is used to measure very small distances.

• A light-year is the distance light travels in one year and is used to measure very large distances.

• A light-year is the time it takes light to travel from the Sun to Earth and is used to measure very small distances.

• A light-year is the time it takes light to travel from the Sun to Earth and is used to measure very large distances.

Answer explanation

A light-year is the distance light travels in one year, approximately 5.88 trillion miles. Scientists use it to measure very large distances in space, such as the distance between stars and galaxies, making it essential for astronomy.

Scientists estimate the time for an astronaut to travel to Mars would be several months. Which of the following pieces of scientific knowledge would be important to consider when estimating the time to travel from Earth to Mars?

• the speed at which both Earth and Mars rotate

• the elliptical orbit position of both Earth and Mars

• the difference in diameter between Earth and Mars

• the amount of gravitational force between Earth and Mars

Answer explanation

The elliptical orbit position of both Earth and Mars is crucial because it affects the distance between the two planets at any given time, directly influencing travel time. The other options are less relevant for this estimation.

What is the most appropriate unit of astronomical distance to represent the distance between an Earth-orbiting space station and Neptune?

• kilometer

• light-year

• lunar distance

• astronomical unit

Answer explanation

The distance from an Earth-orbiting space station to Neptune is best represented in astronomical units (AU), as 1 AU is the average distance from Earth to the Sun, making it suitable for measuring distances within our solar system.

Susan is making a model to represent a star, a galaxy, and a universe. She places a bowl inside a shoe box. She places a ball inside the bowl. What do the shoe box, bowl, and ball represent?

• The shoe box represents a galaxy, the bowl represents a universe, and the ball represents a star.

• The shoe box represents a universe, the bowl represents a star, and the ball represents a galaxy.

• The shoe box represents a universe, the bowl represents a galaxy, and the ball represents a star.

• The shoe box represents a star, the bowl represents a galaxy, and the ball represents a universe.

Answer explanation

The shoe box represents the universe as it contains everything, the bowl represents a galaxy as it holds multiple stars, and the ball represents a star as it is a singular entity within the galaxy.

An amateur astronomer noticed an object in the sky that could be explained as the discovery of a new comet. What is the most important step needed in an investigation of the object to make a scientifically valid conclusion?

• detailed records of observations

• new computer-controlled equipment

• regular time allotments for observations

• reference material of recent astronomical discoveries

Answer explanation

The most important step is to keep detailed records of observations. This allows for accurate tracking of the object's position and behavior over time, which is essential for confirming its identity as a comet.

Even though scientists in astronomy and chemistry study very different things, what do both fields have in common?

• Both fields use the same technology.

• Both fields require the same basic knowledge.

• Both fields use the same basic scientific methods.

• Both fields are based on the same types of experiments.

Answer explanation

Both astronomy and chemistry rely on the scientific method, which includes observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis. This common approach allows scientists in both fields to investigate and understand their respective subjects.