Earth Science Term 2: Structure, Composition, and Age of the Universe

These flashcards cover the key concepts from the lecture on the structure, composition, and age of the universe, including topics like stars, galaxies, the Big Bang, planetary types, the hydrologic cycle, soil and energy types, waste management, and mining stages.

What are stars born from?

Condensing nebulae, which are clouds of gas and dust in interstellar space.

What is dark matter composed of?

4% ordinary matter, 23% dark mass that does not interact with light, and 73% dark energy, which pushes matter outward for expansion.

Describe the Closed Universe Hypothesis.

If the gravitational force of the universe is sufficient, all galaxies will slow down, reverse direction, collapse and then explode, forming a new universe.

What does the Open Universe Hypothesis propose?

That if gravitational force is insufficient to stop expansion, galaxies will fly apart forever as stars fade and cool.

What is Hubble’s Law?

Galaxies recede at speed proportional to their distance from the observer.

What was the Big Bang Theory?

The theory that the universe began with a massive rapid explosion 13.7 billion years ago, before which there was no space or time.

What is the significance of Cosmic Inflation?

It refers to the rapid expansion of the universe that occurred within the first trillionth of a second after the Big Bang.

What are the stages of the Big Bang according to its timeline?

1. 1 trillionth second: cosmic inflation 2. 1 second: cooled to 10 billion degrees 3. 1.5 minutes: helium nuclei formed then blasted apart 4. 10 minutes: too cool for fusion 5. 300k years: first atom formed.

What evidence supports the Big Bang?

1. Galaxies moving away 2. Abundance of light elements 3. Presence of cosmic microwave background radiation.

Distinguish between terrestrial and gas planets.

Terrestrial planets have high melting points, rotate slowly, and have thin or no atmospheres. Gas planets are large, rotate faster, have thicker atmospheres, and fluid interiors rich in hydrogen and helium.

What are the components of the hydrologic cycle?

Evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

What is the function of aquifers?

Aquifers are bodies of rock that can yield economically significant quantities of groundwater, characterized by high porosity and permeability.

What is mass wasting?

The movement of rock and soil down a slope caused by gravity.

Define mechanical weathering.

The physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without altering their chemical composition.

What is the concept of soil horizons?

Soil is composed of layers (horizons) such as O horizon (organic), A horizon (topsoil), E horizon (leached), B horizon (subsoil), and C horizon (weathered bedrock).

What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy?

Renewable energy can be replenished in a short span of time, while non-renewable energy cannot replenish within the human time frame.

What are the possible sources of gaseous waste?

CO2, CO, CH4, NOx, SO2, and H2S, primarily from vehicles, factories, and human activities.

Describe the role of nitrogen in soil health.

Nitrogen is essential for soil productivity and is often supplied by fertilizers to promote plant growth.

What are the stages of mining?

1. Exploration 2. Development and design 3. Construction 4. Production 5. Closure and reclamation.

What are the types of solid waste?

1. Domestic or municipal solid waste 2. Industrial solid waste 3. Agricultural solid waste 4. Electronic waste 5. Construction and demolition waste 6. Hazardous solid waste.