Geology

The universe and everything in it is made of matter, the basic unit of which is the:

atom

A particular type of atom is referred to as an:

element

Elements are organized by:

periodic table

The periodic table is organized such that elements within the same __ have similar physical properties.

groups / columns

The first elements formed after:

Big Bang Theory

The lightest elements that formed after the Big Bang are:

Hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium

Stars form when:

Enough density creates a gravitational pull that compresses a mass, generating high pressure and high heat.

Stellar fusion

The creation of heavier elements by nuclear fusion reactions within stars

Supernova

The explosion of a star as a result from gravity pushing inwards and collapsing it.

Nebula

An interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium, and other ionized gases.P

Protoplanetary disk

A rotating disk of dense gas and dust surrounding a newly formed star.

Planetesimals

Small proto-planets that form from the rings of dust orbiting the young star.

Order of solar system formation:

Nebula, protoplanetary disk, ring of planetesimals, solar system

Volatile materials

Turn into gases or ice at low temperatures; how Saturn, Jupiter, and Neptune exist

Refractory materials

Materials that stay solid at very high temperatures; how terrestial planets form. Forms rocky/metallic materials when solidified

Earth’s Differentiation

The process by which the planet's interior layers formed and separated based on physical and chemical properties, primarily density.

How did the moon form?

A protoplanet collided into Earth, which formed a ring of debris. The debris would accrete over time and form the moon.

Earth’s chemical layers are:

Crust, mantle, core

Earth’s physical layers are:

Lithosphere, asthenosphere, mesosphere, outer core, inner core

Density equals:

Mass / volume

Meteors

The glowing streaks visible in the sky when pieces of rock enter the atmosphere

Meteorites

Pieces of space rocks that hit the Earth

What are the two types of meteorites?

Stony meteorites and iron meteorites

The core is made of:

iron-nickel metal

The mantle is made of:

Fe-Mg rich silicates