Shared Flashcard Set

Details

SCI150
Pace U SCI150
29
Astronomy
Undergraduate 3
06/06/2010

Additional Astronomy Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Which type of electromagnetic radiation has the longest wavelength?
Definition
radio
Term
Which kind of photon has the highest energy?
Definition
x-ray
Term
An astronomer finds that the spectrum of a mysterious object shows bright emission lines. What can she conclude about the source?
Definition
It contains hot, relatively tenuous gas
Term
If an object's spectral lines are shifted to longer wavelengths, the object is
Definition
Moving away from us
Term
Scientists think the Earth's core is composed mainly of
Definition
iron
Term
Our knowledge of the composition of the Earth's core comes from
Definition
analysis of earthquake waves
Term
The slow shifts of our planet's crust are believed to arise from
Definition
heat from the interior causing convective motion, which pushes on the crust.
Term
If the shape of the Earth's orbit was unaltered but its rotation axis was shifted so that it had no tilt with respect to the orbit, seasons would be
Definition
essentially nonexistent, with little temperature change at a given place throughout the year.
Term
What evidence indicates that part of the Earth's interior is liquid
Definition
No S type of seismic waves are detectable at some locations after an earthquake.
Term
We don't get eclipses every month. This is because
Definition
the Moon's orbit is tilted with respect to the Earth's orbit.
Term
How are the Moon and eclipses related?
Definition
Both A and B
Term
What causes the phases of the Moon?
Definition
The Moon's motion around the Earth causing us to see different amounts of it lit.
Term
Why does the Moon shine in the sky?
Definition
It reflects light from the Sun
Term
What are the large smooth dark areas on the moon called?
Definition
Mare
Term
Which of the following planets are primarily rocky with iron cores?
Definition
Mercury, Venus, and Earth
Term
One explanation of why the planets near the Sun are composed mainly of rock and iron is that
Definition
the Sun's heat made it difficult for other substances such as ices and gases to condense near it
Term
Which of the following features of the Solar System does the solar nebula hypothesis explain?
Definition
All of the above
Term
The numerous craters we see on the solid surfaces of so many Solar System bodies are evidence that
Definition
they were bombarded in their youth by many solid objects
Term
Why is Pluto not considered a Jovian planet?
Definition
Its mass and radius are so small, and it lacks the thick atmosphere of hydrogen seen on the other Jovian planets
Term
Why does Mercury have so many craters and the Earth so few?
Definition
Erosion and plate tectonic activity have destroyed most of the craters on the Earth
Term
Which body in the inner Solar System has the densest atmosphere?
Definition
Venus
Term
Why is Venus's surface hotter than Mercury's?
Definition
Carbon dioxide in Venus's atmosphere traps heat radiating from its surface thereby making it warmer
Term
What are the Venusian clouds made of?
Definition
Sulfuric acid droplets
Term
Mercury's average density is about 1.5 times larger than the Moon's even though the two bodies have similar radii. What does this suggest about Mercury's composition?
Definition
Mercury's interior is much richer in iron than the Moon's
Term
The low average densities of Jupiter and Saturn compared with the Earth suggests
Definition
they contain large quantities of light elements, such as hydrogen and helium
Term
What makes some astronomers think that Uranus was hit by a large body early in its history?
Definition
Its rotation axis has such a large tilt with respect to its orbit.
Term
Why would it be foolish to send astronauts to land on Jupiter
Definition
It has no solid surface for them to land on
Term
What is the Roche limit?
Definition
The distance at which a moon held together by gravity will be broken apart by the planet's gravitational attraction.
Term
Astronomers think that the inner core of Jupiter is composed mainly of
Definition
Rock and Iron
Supporting users have an ad free experience!