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Astronomy 2024 Fall Final reivew

Total questions: 68

Worksheet time: 34mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is the definition of the universe?

a)

The universe is a vast expanse of space that contains all of the matter and energy in existence.

b)

The universe is a small, isolated system with limited matter and energy.

c)

The universe is a theoretical concept with no physical existence.

d)

The universe is a collection of galaxies only.

2.

Polaris is important because it is the North Star. Which constellation contains it?

a)

Orion

b)

Ursa minor

c)

Cassiopeia

d)

Scorpius

3.

What are circumpolar constellations and how are they different from constellations such as Orion?

a)

Circumpolar constellations are visible all year round, unlike Orion which is seasonal.

b)

Circumpolar constellations are only visible in the southern hemisphere.

c)

Circumpolar constellations are only visible during the day.

d)

Circumpolar constellations are the same as seasonal constellations like Orion.

4.

How much is the earth's axis tilted? What does earth’s axial tilt create?

a)

The earth's axis is tilted at 23.5 degrees, creating the seasons.

b)

The earth's axis is tilted at 15 degrees, creating the day and night cycle.

c)

The earth's axis is tilted at 30 degrees, creating the equinoxes.

d)

The earth's axis is tilted at 45 degrees, creating the lunar phases.

5.

a. What season is it in the northern hemisphere when it is tilted toward the sun? b. What season is it in the southern hemisphere at the same time?

a)

a. Summer in the northern hemisphere, Winter in the southern hemisphere

b)

b. Winter in the northern hemisphere, Summer in the southern hemisphere

c)

c. Spring in the northern hemisphere, Autumn in the southern hemisphere

d)

d. Autumn in the northern hemisphere, Spring in the southern hemisphere

6.

How much daylight and night is there during the Vernal & Autumnal equinoxes?

a)

12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night

b)

10 hours of daylight and 14 hours of night

c)

14 hours of daylight and 10 hours of night

d)

Equal daylight and night only at the poles

7.

How much daylight and night is there during the Summer and Winter solstices?

a)

Equal daylight and night

b)

More daylight in Summer, more night in Winter

c)

More night in Summer, more daylight in Winter

d)

Equal daylight and night in Winter, more daylight in Summer

8.

What does a New Moon look like?

a)

A fully illuminated circle

b)

A half-illuminated semicircle

c)

A completely dark circle

d)

A crescent shape

9.

What does a Full moon look like?

a)

A crescent shape

b)

A half circle

c)

A complete circle

d)

An irregular shape

10.

What are the moon phases in order starting with a new moon?

a)

New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent

b)

New Moon, First Quarter, Waxing Crescent, Full Moon, Waxing Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent, Waning Gibbous

c)

New Moon, Waxing Crescent, Full Moon, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Crescent, Last Quarter, Waning Gibbous

d)

New Moon, Waxing Gibbous, First Quarter, Waxing Crescent, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent

11.

The lunar cycle is approximately how long?

a)

27 days

b)

29.5 days

c)

31 days

d)

30 days

12.

Why do we see only one side of the moon?

a)

Because the moon does not rotate on its axis

b)

Because the moon's rotation period is the same as its orbit around Earth

c)

Because the moon is too far away to see the other side

d)

Because the Earth's atmosphere blocks the view of the other side

13.

What are the positions of the sun, moon, and earth during a Solar Eclipse? A Lunar Eclipse?

a)

Solar Eclipse: Sun, Moon, Earth; Lunar Eclipse: Sun, Earth, Moon

b)

Solar Eclipse: Sun, Earth, Moon; Lunar Eclipse: Sun, Moon, Earth

c)

Solar Eclipse: Earth, Sun, Moon; Lunar Eclipse: Moon, Sun, Earth

d)

Solar Eclipse: Moon, Sun, Earth; Lunar Eclipse: Earth, Moon, Sun

14.

Gravity is caused by which 2 celestial bodies?

a)

The Sun and the Moon

b)

Mars and Venus

c)

Jupiter and Saturn

d)

Earth and Mars

15.

Which has the greatest impact on the tides ? Why?

a)

moon, it is closer

b)

the sun, has more gravity force

c)

the sun, it is closer

d)

none of these

16.

What are Spring Tides? When do they happen? How is the earth, sun, & moon aligned?

a)

Spring tides occur when the Earth, Sun, and Moon are aligned in a straight line, during full and new moons.

b)

Spring tides occur when the Earth, Sun, and Moon form a right angle, during the first and third quarters of the moon.

c)

Spring tides occur when the Earth and Moon are closest to each other, regardless of the Sun's position.

d)

Spring tides occur when the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth, during the first and third quarters of the moon.

17.

Who invented the Geocentric Model? What moved & what remained fixed?

a)

Ptolemy; The planets moved around the Earth, which remained fixed.

b)

Copernicus; The Earth moved around the Sun, which remained fixed.

c)

Galileo; The stars moved around the Earth, which remained fixed.

d)

Newton; The Earth moved around the Moon, which remained fixed.

18.

What is Apparent Retrograde Motion?

a)

The motion of a planet in the same direction as other bodies within its system.

b)

The motion of a planet in the opposite direction to other bodies within its system.

c)

The motion of a planet that is stationary relative to other bodies within its system.

d)

The motion of a planet that is faster than other bodies within its system.

19.

How did Ptolemy explain Apparent Retrograde Motion?

a)

By proposing the heliocentric model

b)

By introducing epicycles in the geocentric model

c)

By suggesting the Earth rotates on its axis

d)

By stating that planets move in elliptical orbits

20.

Why did the Aristotle/Ptolemaic Model last so long?

a)

It was supported by religious beliefs.

b)

It accurately predicted planetary positions.

c)

It was the only model available.

d)

It was widely accepted by scholars.

21.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: What was Copernicus’ model of the solar system called?

a)

Geocentric Model

b)

Heliocentric Model

c)

Ptolemaic Model

d)

Tychonic Model

22.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: What is Kepler’s 1st Law of planetary motion?

a)

Planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus.

b)

Planets sweep out equal areas in equal times.

c)

The square of the orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis.

d)

Planets move in circular orbits with the Sun at the center.

23.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: What is Kepler’s 2nd Law of planetary motion?

a)

A planet moves in such a way that a line segment joining it to the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time.

b)

The orbit of a planet is an ellipse with the Sun at one of the two foci.

c)

The square of the orbital period of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit.

d)

Planets move in circular orbits with the Sun at the center.

24.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: What is Kepler’s 3rd Law of planetary motion?

a)

The square of the orbital period of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit.

b)

Planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus.

c)

A line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time.

d)

The gravitational force between two bodies is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

25.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: What is an astronomical unit? What is a light year?

a)

An astronomical unit is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, and a light year is the distance light travels in one year.

b)

An astronomical unit is the distance light travels in one year, and a light year is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun.

c)

An astronomical unit is the distance from the Earth to the Moon, and a light year is the distance light travels in one second.

d)

An astronomical unit is the distance light travels in one second, and a light year is the distance from the Earth to the Moon.

26.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: What is Newton’s first law and give an example with an explanation?

a)

Newton's first law states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force. For example, a book on a table remains at rest until someone pushes it.

b)

Newton's first law states that the force of gravity acts between all masses. For example, the Earth attracts the Moon.

c)

Newton's first law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. For example, a rocket launching into space.

d)

Newton's first law states that the acceleration of an object depends on the mass of the object and the amount of force applied. For example, pushing a car requires more force than pushing a bicycle.

27.

What is Newton’s second law?

a)

An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion.

b)

The force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object times its acceleration.

c)

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

d)

The gravitational force between two objects is proportional to their masses.

28.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: What is Newton’s third law and give an example with an explanation?

a)

Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. An example is when you push against a wall, the wall pushes back against you with equal force.

b)

Newton's third law states that an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force. An example is a ball rolling on a frictionless surface.

c)

Newton's third law states that the force of gravity acts between all masses. An example is the gravitational pull between the Earth and the Moon.

d)

Newton's third law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it. An example is a car accelerating when the engine exerts a force.

29.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: Why does an object travel forever in space but an ice skater slows down?

a)

Because space is a vacuum with no friction, while an ice skater experiences friction.

b)

Because objects in space have more energy than an ice skater.

c)

Because space has a stronger gravitational pull than Earth.

d)

Because ice skaters are affected by air resistance, unlike objects in space.

30.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: What does gravity do? What does the amount of gravity depend on?

a)

Gravity keeps objects in orbit and depends on mass and distance.

b)

Gravity causes objects to repel each other and depends on temperature.

c)

Gravity has no effect on celestial bodies and depends on speed.

d)

Gravity only affects objects on Earth and depends on volume.

31.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: Why does the moon orbit the earth instead of the sun?

a)

Because the Earth has a stronger gravitational pull on the Moon than the Sun does.

b)

Because the Moon is closer to the Earth than to the Sun.

c)

Because the Moon was formed from the Earth.

d)

Because the Moon is part of the Earth's atmosphere.

32.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: The earth orbits the sun instead of the moon because:

a)

The sun has a greater gravitational pull than the moon.

b)

The moon is too far away from the earth.

c)

The earth is closer to the sun than to the moon.

d)

The sun and moon have equal gravitational pull on the earth.

33.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: What happens to your weight in space? Your mass? Why?

a)

Your weight decreases, but your mass remains the same because weight depends on gravity, which is weaker in space.

b)

Your weight and mass both decrease because there is no gravity in space.

c)

Your weight remains the same, but your mass decreases because mass is affected by gravity.

d)

Both your weight and mass remain the same because they are not affected by gravity.

34.

Unit 3 - Modern Heliocentric Astronomy: Which planet has the fastest orbital velocity and the longest time to orbit?

a)

Mercury and Neptune

b)

Venus and Uranus

c)

Earth and Saturn

d)

Mars and Jupiter

35.

Unit 4 - Tools of Astronomy: What are the characteristics of all EM waves?

a)

They all travel at the speed of light in a vacuum.

b)

They all have the same frequency.

c)

They all have the same wavelength.

d)

They all require a medium to travel through.

36.

Unit 4 - Tools of Astronomy: What is the correct order of the EM spectrum from lowest energy to highest?

a)

Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-ray, Gamma-ray

b)

Gamma-ray, X-ray, Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared, Microwave, Radio

c)

Visible, Infrared, Microwave, Radio, Ultraviolet, X-ray, Gamma-ray

d)

X-ray, Gamma-ray, Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared, Microwave, Radio

37.

Unit 4 - Tools of Astronomy: What does radio astronomy look at and what are its advantages & disadvantages?

a)

Radio astronomy looks at visible light and its advantage is high resolution.

b)

Radio astronomy looks at radio waves and its advantage is the ability to observe through clouds and dust.

c)

Radio astronomy looks at X-rays and its disadvantage is interference from the Earth's atmosphere.

d)

Radio astronomy looks at gamma rays and its disadvantage is the need for space-based telescopes.

38.

Unit 4 - Tools of Astronomy: What do microwave telescopes see?

a)

Visible light from stars

b)

Infrared radiation from planets

c)

Microwave background radiation

d)

Ultraviolet light from galaxies

39.

Unit 4 - Tools of Astronomy: What are the characteristics of infrared and what do those telescopes see?

a)

Infrared telescopes detect visible light and see stars.

b)

Infrared telescopes detect radio waves and see galaxies.

c)

Infrared telescopes detect infrared radiation and see heat signatures.

d)

Infrared telescopes detect ultraviolet light and see planets.

40.

Unit 4 - Tools of Astronomy: What are the characteristics of visible light?

a)

Visible light is a form of electromagnetic radiation.

b)

Visible light has a wavelength range of approximately 400 to 700 nanometers.

c)

Visible light is the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye.

d)

All of the above

41.

What are the characteristics of UV and what produces them in space?

a)

UV radiation is characterized by its short wavelength and high energy, and it is produced by stars and other celestial bodies.

b)

UV radiation is characterized by its long wavelength and low energy, and it is produced by black holes.

c)

UV radiation is characterized by its medium wavelength and moderate energy, and it is produced by planets.

d)

UV radiation is characterized by its variable wavelength and energy, and it is produced by asteroids.

42.

What produces gamma rays in space?

a)

Black holes

b)

Neutron stars

c)

Supernovae

d)

All of the above

43.

The Doppler effect is important in astronomy because it helps astronomers to:

a)

Measure the distance of stars and galaxies

b)

Determine the temperature of celestial bodies

c)

Understand the chemical composition of stars

d)

Detect the motion and speed of celestial objects

44.

Why is spectroscopy used in astronomy?

a)

To measure the distance of stars

b)

To analyze the composition and properties of celestial objects

c)

To calculate the age of the universe

d)

To determine the size of planets

45.

What is the difference between reflecting & refracting telescopes?

a)

Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to gather light, while refracting telescopes use lenses.

b)

Reflecting telescopes use lenses to gather light, while refracting telescopes use mirrors.

c)

Both reflecting and refracting telescopes use mirrors to gather light.

d)

Both reflecting and refracting telescopes use lenses to gather light.

46.

What advantages do larger optical telescopes have over smaller ones?

a)

Larger telescopes have a wider field of view.

b)

Larger telescopes can detect fainter objects.

c)

Larger telescopes are easier to transport.

d)

Larger telescopes require less maintenance.

47.

Why can’t we use telescopes on earth to see the entire EM spectrum?

a)

Because the Earth's atmosphere blocks certain wavelengths.

b)

Because telescopes are not powerful enough.

c)

Because the EM spectrum is too large to observe.

d)

Because the Earth's rotation affects observations.

48.

When did the Earth start to form?

a)

About 4.5 billion years ago

b)

About 3.5 billion years ago

c)

About 2.5 billion years ago

d)

About 1.5 billion years ago

49.

How was the moon formed and what evidence exists?

a)

The moon was formed from a giant impact, and evidence includes isotopic similarities between Earth and moon rocks.

b)

The moon was captured by Earth's gravity, and evidence includes its elliptical orbit.

c)

The moon formed alongside Earth, and evidence includes its similar size and composition.

d)

The moon was a part of Earth that broke away, and evidence includes its matching density.

50.

How are moon and earth rocks different?

a)

Moon rocks contain more iron and less water than Earth rocks.

b)

Moon rocks are identical to Earth rocks.

c)

Moon rocks contain more water and less iron than Earth rocks.

d)

Moon rocks are made entirely of ice.

51.

The maria of the moon were formed by:

a)

Volcanic eruptions filling large basins with lava

b)

Impact of meteorites creating large craters

c)

Accumulation of dust and debris over time

d)

Tectonic activity causing surface shifts

52.

The moon shows evidence of bombardment with craters, why is there less evidence on earth of asteroid bombardment during formation?

a)

Earth's atmosphere erodes evidence of craters.

b)

Earth's surface is constantly changing due to tectonic activity.

c)

The moon is closer to the asteroid belt.

d)

Earth's gravity deflects asteroids away.

53.

Where did our elements come from?

a)

The Big Bang

b)

Nuclear reactions in stars

c)

Chemical reactions on Earth

d)

Cosmic rays

54.

Where did heavy elements like gold and uranium come from?

a)

They were formed in the Earth's core.

b)

They were created during the Big Bang.

c)

They were produced in supernova explosions.

d)

They were synthesized in laboratories.

55.

Most of the earth’s water came from:

a)

meteors/ asteroids

b)

Volcanic eruptions

c)

The sun

d)

The moon

56.

What organism was responsible for creating oxygen on earth?

a)

Plants

b)

Animals

c)

Cyanobacteria

d)

Fungi

57.

Plate tectonics is a theory explaining the structure of the Earth's crust and the movement of its plates. What causes plate tectonics?

a)

The gravitational pull of the moon

b)

The rotation of the Earth

c)

Convection currents in the mantle

d)

Solar radiation

58.

Which of the following is a characteristic of the earth’s crust?

a)

It is the innermost layer of the Earth.

b)

It is composed mainly of iron and nickel.

c)

It is the thinnest layer of the Earth.

d)

It is entirely liquid.

59.

Which of the following is a characteristic of the earth’s mantle?

a)

It is composed primarily of iron and nickel.

b)

It is the outermost layer of the Earth.

c)

It is composed of silicate rocks rich in magnesium and iron.

d)

It is completely solid and does not flow.

60.

Which of the following are characteristics of the earth’s outer core?

a)

Solid and composed mainly of iron and nickel

b)

Liquid and composed mainly of iron and nickel

c)

Solid and composed mainly of silicate minerals

d)

Liquid and composed mainly of silicate minerals

61.

Which of the following is a characteristic of the earth’s inner core?

a)

It is composed mainly of liquid iron and nickel.

b)

It is solid and primarily composed of iron and nickel.

c)

It is made up of silicate rocks.

d)

It is the coolest layer of the Earth.

62.

What is the composition of today’s atmosphere?

a)

78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 1% Other gases

b)

50% Oxygen, 30% Nitrogen, 20% Other gases

c)

60% Nitrogen, 30% Oxygen, 10% Other gases

d)

70% Oxygen, 20% Nitrogen, 10% Other gases

63.

Which of the following is a characteristic of the troposphere?

a)

It is the hottest layer of the atmosphere.

b)

It contains most of the Earth's weather.

c)

It is the outermost layer of the atmosphere.

d)

It has the highest concentration of ozone.

64.

Which of the following is a characteristic of the ozone layer?

a)

It absorbs ultraviolet radiation.

b)

It is composed mainly of nitrogen.

c)

It is located in the troposphere.

d)

It is responsible for the greenhouse effect.

65.

Which of the following is a characteristic of the magnetosphere?

a)

It is a region dominated by Earth's magnetic field.

b)

It is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere.

c)

It is a part of the Earth's core.

d)

It is a type of ocean current.

66.

Which of the following is a characteristic of living things?

a)

Ability to reproduce

b)

Inability to move

c)

Lack of response to stimuli

d)

Absence of growth

67.

When did modern humans show up? What makes us unique?

a)

Modern humans appeared around 200,000 years ago; our ability to use complex language makes us unique.

b)

Modern humans appeared around 500,000 years ago; our ability to walk upright makes us unique.

c)

Modern humans appeared around 1 million years ago; our ability to use tools makes us unique.

d)

Modern humans appeared around 50,000 years ago; our ability to create art makes us unique.

68.

Which of the following is an essential condition for life to exist?

a)

Presence of liquid water

b)

High levels of radiation

c)

Lack of atmosphere

d)

Extreme temperatures