Earth science regents!

What is the Suns life span determined by?

Force of nuclear fusion and gravity.

What is nuclear fusion?

When hydrogen nuclei collide to form helium generating.

How does energy released by nuclear fusion travel through the suns layers ?

Electromagnetic waves (radiation) takes millions of years for the energy to travel through the layers.

What can observations of other stars tell us about the suns life span?

How stars evolve, how they will eventually die and how they change overtime.

How does the suns radiation vary?

The occurrence of sudden solar flares.

What is the main source of energy for life on earth?

The sun provides energy for life on earth throughout the suns life cycle.

What is the process of radiation?

It isn’t constant, sudden solar flares are eruptions of charged particles from the suns surface; increasing the radiation output.

What happens when hydrogen atoms combine to form helium in the suns core?

Generates immense energy nuclear fusion happens.

How does the balance between gravity and nuclear fusion determine the sun’s lifespan?

If the outward pressure decreases, the gravity will cause the sun to contract increasing the temperature and pressure and leading to increased nuclear fusion.

What are some examples of how the sun’s radiation varries?

Solar flares are eruptions of charge particles from the suns surface.

What is The Big Bang Theory?

The theory that all matter and energy in the universe is once compressed into a very small dense point where the laws of physics as we know today did not apply.

What is a singularity?

A singularity describes a behavior of gravity on a large scale.

What is the red shift of light from galaxies?

The red shift is light waves from the galaxies that are stretched out as the universe continues to expand, making them appear red, indicating that they are moving away from us.

How does the composition of matter in the universe support the The Big Bang Theory?

Mostly helium and hydrogen, which is found in stars and interstellar gases.

What is the significance of the red shift of light from galaxies?

One of the key pieces supporting the Big Bang theory shows us that the universe is expanding.

What is nucleosynthesis?

Process when new elements are created in stars.

How do stars produce elements?

A series of nuclear at reaction reactions where lighter elements combined to form heavier ones; makes them shine brighter

What is the role of a star’s mass in nucleosynthesis?

The amount and type of elements produced.

What kind of stars can create elements up to iron through fusion in their cores?

Low mass stars

What kind of stars can create elements up to nickel through fusion in their cores?

High mass stars.

how are elements heavier than nickel created in stars?

Created through fusion in their cores, higher temperature and pressures.

what is the fundamental law governing the motion of objects in the solar system?

An object around another object is constantly falling towards it, but its forward momentum keeps it moving in a circular path.

What is the relationship between the mass of two objects and the gravitational force between them?

The mass of the orbiting object, the mass of the object it is orbiting and the distance between them.

How does the distance between two objects affect the gravitational force between them?

The more distance means less gravity, vice versa.

what determines the motion of an object in orbit?

The gravitational force and distance.

how does the gravitational force between two objects change as they get closer to each other?

The gravitational force increases as the objects get closer together.

How do scientist use mathematical models to predict the motion of an object in the solar system?

Using mathematical models applies principles of physics, such as gravitational forces and orbital mechanisms, allowing scientist to forecast the positions of planets, moons and other celestial bodies overtime

How accurate are predictions made using mathematical models of the motion of objects in the solar system?

Extremely accurate because they use newtons laws.

Why is understanding the motion of objects in the solar system important?

Understanding these factors is crucial to predicting the behavior of objects in space and ensuring the safety of spacecraft and satellites.

What causes the phases of the moon?

The phases are caused by the sun, moon and earth all relative to each other.

How many distinct phases are there?

Eight Distinct phases.

what are the two types of eclipses?

There are two types of eclipses, solar, and lunar.

What causes tides on earth?

Tides are the rise and fall of earths ocean waters caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.

Why do the tides change cynically?

The tides change cynically because of the changing positions of the moon earth and sun relative to each other.

What causes the changing seasons on earth?

The changing seasons on earth are caused by the Earths tilt on its axis.

How many degrees is the Earths tilt on its axis?

The earths axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5°.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the sun and earth, blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on earth.

What is a lunar eclipse?

Lunar eclipses occur when the earth passes between the sun and moon, casting a shadow on the moon and causing it to appear red or orange.

Why do eclipses occur cynically?

Eclipses occur in predictable cycles due to the alignment of the earth, moon and sun.

What is plate tectonics?

Plate tectonics theory is the scientific explanation for the movement of earth’s lithosphere plates and the geological processes resulting from this movement.

What geological processes are a result of plate tectonics?

Earthquakes, volcanic activity, Mountain building, sea floor spreading, And sebduction.

How does evidence of the ages of Crustal rock support the theory of plate tectonics?

By analyzing the ages of rocks across different plates, scientist have been able to support the ideas that plates move and interact with each other.

What happens to the ages of oceanic rock with increasing distance from mid ocean ridges?

The age of oceanic crust increase with distance from mid ocean ridges. This is because new oceanic crust is formed at these ridges through a volcanic activity, pushing older crust away from the ridge as it spreads outward.