Astrophysics Pre-Assessment for MYP 5

What is the primary force that governs the motion of celestial bodies?

• Friction

• Nuclear force

• Electromagnetism

• Gravity

Define the term 'light year' and its significance in astronomy.

• A light year is the speed at which light travels in a vacuum.

• A light year is a unit of distance equal to the distance light travels in one year, significant for measuring astronomical distances.

• A light year is a unit of weight used to measure celestial bodies.

• A light year is a measure of time used in astronomy.

What is the difference between a planet and a star?

• A planet orbits a star and does not produce its own light, while a star generates light and heat through nuclear fusion.

• A planet generates light and heat through nuclear fusion.

• A star orbits a planet and is cold to the touch.

• A planet is larger than a star and is made of gas.

Explain the concept of black holes and how they are formed.

• Black holes are a type of planet that forms in dense star clusters.

• Black holes are formed from the evaporation of dark matter.

• Black holes are formed from the gravitational collapse of massive stars after they exhaust their nuclear fuel.

• Black holes are created by the collision of two neutron stars.

What is the significance of the Hubble Space Telescope?

• The Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized astronomy and our understanding of the universe.

• It was the first telescope to be launched into space.

• The telescope only observes planets within our solar system.

• It is primarily used for weather forecasting.

Describe the life cycle of a star from birth to death.

• The life cycle of a star includes: nebula -> protostar -> main sequence -> red giant/supergiant -> supernova/planetary nebula -> white dwarf/neutron star/black hole.

• nebula -> black hole -> red giant -> supernova

• protostar -> main sequence -> red giant -> neutron star

• main sequence -> red dwarf -> supernova -> white dwarf

What is dark matter and why is it important in astrophysics?

• Dark matter is an invisible form of matter that makes up about 27% of the universe, important for understanding cosmic structure and dynamics.

• Dark matter is a theory that explains black holes.

• Dark matter is a type of energy that powers stars.

• Dark matter is a visible form of matter found in galaxies.

Explain the Big Bang Theory in simple terms.

• The Big Bang Theory explains that the universe started from a small, hot, and dense point and has been expanding ever since.

• The Big Bang Theory suggests that the universe is contracting back into a single point.

• The Big Bang Theory states that the universe is static and unchanging.

• The Big Bang Theory claims that the universe was created by a giant explosion of matter and energy.

What are exoplanets and how are they detected?

• Exoplanets are moons orbiting planets in our solar system.

• Exoplanets are stars that are larger than our sun.

• Exoplanets are asteroids found in the asteroid belt.

• Exoplanets are planets outside our solar system, detected primarily through the transit and radial velocity methods.

Define redshift and its relevance in understanding the universe.

• Redshift refers to the color change of stars as they age and cool down.

• Redshift is the shift of light to longer wavelengths due to the movement of objects away from the observer, crucial for understanding the universe's expansion.

• Redshift is the increase in brightness of stars due to their proximity to Earth.

• Redshift is the phenomenon where light is absorbed by cosmic dust, altering its color.