Space physics full set

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45 Terms

1

What is red-shift?

Red-shift is the observed increase in the wavelength of light from distant galaxies, shifting it toward the red end of the spectrum.

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2

What does red-shift indicate about a galaxy’s motion?

It indicates that the galaxy is moving away from us.

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3

What is the Doppler effect?

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of waves from a moving source relative to an observer.

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4

What is blue-shift?

Blue-shift occurs when light waves are compressed, indicating an object is moving toward the observer.

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5

How does red-shift support the Big Bang theory?

Red-shift shows that galaxies are moving away from each other, suggesting the universe is expanding.

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6

What is the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory states that the universe began as a single point and has been expanding ever since.

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7

What evidence supports the Big Bang theory?

Evidence includes red-shift and cosmic microwave background radiation.

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8

What is cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB)?

CMB is radiation left over from the early stages of the universe, a key piece of evidence for the Big Bang.

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9

How does the amount of red-shift relate to a galaxy’s distance?

Greater red-shift indicates that a galaxy is farther away and moving faster.

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10

What is Hubble’s Law?

Hubble's Law states that the speed at which a galaxy moves away is proportional to its distance from us.

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11

What does the expansion of the universe mean?

The universe is increasing in size, with galaxies moving away from each other over time.

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12

How does the study of red-shift help astronomers?

Red-shift helps measure the distance and speed of galaxies, providing insights into the universe's expansion.

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13

What is the significance of CMB radiation?

CMB radiation provides evidence for the Big Bang, as it shows the universe was once hot and dense.

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14

How do astronomers detect red-shift?

Astronomers detect red-shift by analyzing the spectrum of light emitted by stars and galaxies.

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15

What does red-shift tell us about the future of the universe?

It suggests that the universe will continue expanding.

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16

What is the solar system?

The solar system consists of the Sun, planets, moons, and other objects bound by gravity.

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17

What is the main component of the solar system?

The Sun, a main sequence star, is the primary component.

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18

How many planets are in the solar system?

There are eight planets in the solar system.

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19

What are the two types of planets in the solar system?

Terrestrial (rocky) planets and gas giants.

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20

What is an orbit?

An orbit is the curved path of an object around a star, planet, or moon due to gravity.

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21

What shape are most planetary orbits?

Most planetary orbits are elliptical (oval-shaped).

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22

What force keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?

Gravity provides the centripetal force that keeps planets in orbit.

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23

How does the speed of a planet affect its orbit?

Faster-moving planets stay in stable orbits closer to the Sun, while slower planets orbit farther away.

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24

What are moons?

Moons are natural satellites that orbit planets.

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25

What are comets?

Comets are icy bodies that develop tails when they approach the Sun.

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26

What is the difference between an asteroid and a comet?

Asteroids are rocky bodies, while comets are icy and develop tails when near the Sun.

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27

How does gravity affect the motion of objects in the solar system?

Gravity acts as a centripetal force, keeping objects in stable orbits.

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28

What is a geostationary orbit?

A geostationary orbit is one where a satellite remains above the same point on Earth.

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29

What is the significance of Kepler's laws of planetary motion?

They describe how planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus.

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30

Why is Earth’s orbit important for life?

Earth's stable orbit and distance from the Sun allow for conditions that support life.

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31

What determines the life cycle of a star?

The mass of the star determines its life cycle.

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32

What is the first stage in the life cycle of a star?

A nebula, a cloud of gas and dust, is the first stage.

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33

How does a protostar form?

A protostar forms when gravity pulls gas and dust together, increasing pressure and temperature.

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34

What process occurs in a main sequence star?

Nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium occurs in a main sequence star.

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35

What is the main energy source for a star during its main sequence stage?

The fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium releases energy.

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36

What happens to a star like the Sun after the main sequence stage?

It expands into a red giant.

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37

What happens to massive stars after the main sequence stage?

They expand into red supergiants.

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38

What is the fate of a red giant?

It sheds its outer layers to form a planetary nebula, leaving behind a white dwarf.

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39

What happens to a red supergiant?

It undergoes a supernova explosion

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40

What is left behind after a supernova explosion?

A neutron star or a black hole, depending on the mass of the core.

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41

What is a white dwarf?

A small, dense remnant of a red giant with no nuclear fusion.

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42

How is a black hole formed?

A black hole forms when a massive star's core collapses under gravity after a supernova.

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43

What is a neutron star?

A dense core made mostly of neutrons, left after a supernova.

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44

Why does a star remain stable during its main sequence?

The outward pressure from nuclear fusion balances the inward pull of gravity.

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45

What role does gravity play in the life cycle of a star?

Gravity causes the initial collapse of gas and dust and holds the star together during its lifetime.

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