Problem 1
Which of these lists of cosmic features is in the correct order of size, beginning with the largest? a) Universe, galaxy, star, planet b) Star, galaxy, universe, planet c) Universe, planet, star, galaxy d) Galaxy, universe, star, planet
Problem 2
Suppose the light spectrum from a distant star shifted toward the blue end of the light spectrum. What would this imply? a) The star is moving away from us. b) The star is moving toward us. c) The star is not moving relative to us.
Problem 3
Scientists often suggest that the expansion of the universe is similar to the expansion of raisin bread as it bakes in an oven. As the loaf increases in size, individual raisins move farther apart in the expanding bread. During a homework assignment, two students suggest the following analogies for the universe, but these are not considered as good as the raisin bread analogy. Why? a) The universe expands similarly to the concentric ripples formed when a rock is thrown into a pond. b) The universe is similar to a Jell-O mold enclosing pieces of fruit (galaxies).
Problem 8
What planetary characteristics would you look for in an extrasolar planet that might have the potential to harbor life similar to that found on Earth?
Problem 9
What are the principal components of the sun? a) Hydrogen and helium b) Carbon and oxygen c) Silicon and sodium d) Nickel and iron
Problem 10
Sunspots, flares, and other emissions that generate charged particles from the sun's surface can have a negative impact on electrical systems on Earth. What would be the implications for this type of solar activity if the sun did not experience differential rotation? a) There would be less sunspot activity. b) There would be greater sunspot activity. c) There would be no change in sunspot activity. The sun is located approximately \(150,000,000\) kilometers (93,000,000 miles) from Earth. How long would it take for charged particles ejected from the sun to affect electrical systems on Earth, assuming the particles traveled at \(1.6\) million \(\mathrm{km} / \mathrm{h}\) ? a) A few minutes b) A few hours c) A few days d) A few weeks
Problem 12
Create a concept map that links together the principal characteristics of the sun using the terms listed here, as well as any linking phrases you wish to create. \(\begin{array}{ll}\text { The sun } & \text { Helium } \\ \text { Solar wind } & \text { Nuclear fusion } \\ \text { Solar system } & \text { Sunspots } \\\ \text { Magnetic field } & \text { X-rays } \\ \text { Star } & \text { Sunspot cycle } \\ \text { Hydrogen } & \text { Differential rotation }\end{array}\)
Problem 17
How do we define the length of a year on Earth? a) A year is related to the revolution of Earth around the sun. b) A year is related to the rotation of Earth on its axis. c) A year is related to the rotation of the sun on its axis. d) A year is related to the revolution of the sun around Earth.
Problem 18
How would the amount of incoming solar radiation change at the equator if Earth's axis were vertical instead of tilted? a) Incoming solar radiation would decrease. b) Incoming solar radiation would be the same as at present. c) Incoming solar radiation would increase.
Problem 19
Mars has a more asymmetric orbit of the sun than Earth. Mars is 20 percent closer to the sun during its winter than during its summer. How would Earth's climate be affected if Earth had a similarly eccentric orbit, being 20 percent closer to the sun during winter months in the Northern Hemisphere?
