Earth and Life Science: Origin and Structure of the Earth (Cosmology, Solar System, and Minor Bodies)

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50 practice flashcards covering cosmology, the universe, solar system, dwarf planets, major planets, and minor bodies.

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50 Terms

1
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What does cosmology study?

The origin, evolution, and fate of the universe.

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What is Earth Science?

The science that seeks to understand Earth and its neighbors in space.

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Name the four main branches of Earth Science.

Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology, and Astronomy.

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What does Geology study?

The study of Earth.

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What does Oceanography study?

The study of the ocean.

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What does Meteorology study?

The atmosphere and the processes that produce weather.

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What does Astronomy study?

The universe.

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What is the Big Bang Theory?

The widely accepted theory that the universe started from a hot, dense state about 20 billion years ago and expanded.

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Who proposed the Big Bang Theory?

Georges Lemaître.

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According to the Big Bang, when did the universe begin?

About 20 billion years ago.

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What happened to matter and energy in the Big Bang?

They started in a hot, dense state, exploded, and began to spread out; matter and energy formed structures.

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What is the Steady State Theory?

The universe has no beginning or end and expands with continuous creation of matter.

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Who supported the Steady State Theory?

Fred Hoyle, Thomas Gold, Herman Bondi, et al.

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What does D = m/V signify in cosmology?

Density remains constant as new matter is created while expanding.

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What is the Observable Universe?

The universe as observed, described as the same at any time and place.

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What is the Big Crunch Theory?

A scenario in which the universe ends by collapsing back into itself.

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What is the Pulsating Universe?

A model where the universe undergoes infinite cycles of expansion and contraction.

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What is Divine Command Theory?

Creationism; the belief that the universe and life originated from divine creation.

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What does Genesis 1–2 describe?

God’s creation of the universe in six days and the Garden of Eden.

20
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What is the Universe?

A large expanse of gas, stars, and dust clouds that includes planets and galaxies.

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What is the Solar System?

The gravitationally bound system comprising the Sun and objects that orbit it.

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What are Terrestrial (inner) planets made of?

Materials with high melting points like silicates, iron, and nickel.

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How do inner planets relate to atmospheres?

They rotate slowly and have thin or no atmosphere.

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What are Jovian (outer) planets?

Gas giants with thick atmospheres that rotate faster.

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When did the IAU classify Pluto as a dwarf planet?

2006.

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How many dwarf planets have been found?

Five; with possible estimates up to about 50.

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What is Planet Biyo?

A minor planet named after Filipino teacher Dr. Josette Biyo.

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Where is Planet 13241 located?

In the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

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What is Mercury’s albedo?

6%.

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How long is Mercury’s day (rotation)?

88 Earth days.

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What is Mercury’s temperature range?

From -300°F to 800°F.

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What is Mercury’s atmosphere like?

Very little atmosphere.

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How does Venus compare to Earth in size and density?

Similar in size and density.

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What is Venus’s atmospheric composition?

Thick clouds of carbon dioxide.

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Why is Venus so hot on the surface?

About 900°F due to the greenhouse effect.

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How does Venus’s atmospheric pressure compare to Earth’s?

About 90 times that of Earth.

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What proverb describes Venus’s conditions relative to Earth?

If Earth is heaven then Venus is hell.

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What are Mars’s notable features?

White polar ice caps, a great rift valley, very dry, reddish rock and soil.

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How large is Jupiter relative to the other planets?

About 2.5 times larger than all the other planets combined.

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How long is a day on Jupiter?

About 10 hours.

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What is the Great Red Spot?

A hurricane-like storm with winds around 1000 mph.

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What is stated about Jupiter’s surface in the notes?

The surface is described as a liquid hydrogen ocean.

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How many total moons does Jupiter have?

61.

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Name four moons of Jupiter mentioned in the notes.

Callisto, Ganymede, Io, and Europa.

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How long does Saturn take to orbit the Sun?

About 29.5 years.

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What is Saturn known for besides its rings?

A system of rings and wind speeds over 1000 mph.

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What is Uranus known for?

Polar rings; called the Green Planet; methane in the atmosphere; rotates on its side.

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What is Neptune known for?

Twin planet to Uranus; polar rings; methane in the atmosphere; rotates on its side.

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What is Pluto’s status and characteristics?

May not be a planet; transition between a comet and a planet; average temp about -35°F; large dirty ice ball; about 248-year orbit.

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What are meteoroids and asteroids?

Meteoroids are rocks in space; meteors are when they enter Earth’s atmosphere and meteorites are when they’re found on Earth; meteor showers occur from debris; asteroids are irregular rocky bodies mainly between Mars and Jupiter; largest is Ceres (~620 miles).