Deck 2: Earth in Science

Question 1

The following diagram shows the relative position of some galaxies (2.5 Mly = 2.5 million light years).
The location labeled "X" is the observation point.


-Suppose these galaxies were observed at location X using the Hubble telescope. Place them in order from most red shift to least red shift.

A) A,B,C
B) C,B,A
C) B,A,C
D) C,A,B

Answer 1

C,B,A

Question 2

Predict what happens to the brightness of a star with an orbiting extra-solar planet.

A) It brightens when the planet is between its star and us.
B) It dims when the planet is between its star and us.
C) Brightness is not affected by the orbit.

Answer 2

It dims when the planet is between its star and us.

Question 3

Analyze the map and select the proper response for each missing term or phrase.


-Analyze the map and select the proper response for missing term or phrase for number 1.

A) 150,000
B) 15 million
C) 15 billion
D) 15 trillion

Answer 3

15 billion

Question 4

Analyze the map and select the proper response for each missing term or phrase.


-Analyze the map and select the proper response for missing term or phrase for number 2.

A) Hundreds
B) Thousands
C) Millions
D) Billions

Question 5

Analyze the map and select the proper response for each missing term or phrase.


-Analyze the map and select the proper response for missing term or phrase for number 3.

A) Fusion
B) Gravity
C) Heliosphere

Question 6

Analyze the map and select the proper response for each missing term or phrase.


-Analyze the map and select the proper response for missing term or phrase for number 4.

A) Asteroids
B) Comets
C) Planets

Question 7

Analyze the map and select the proper response for each missing term or phrase.


-Analyze the map and select the proper response for missing term or phrase for number 5.

A) Gravity
B) Fusion
C) Helioshere

Question 8

Analyze the map and select the proper response for each missing term or phrase.


-Analyze the map and select the proper response for missing term or phrase for number 6.

A) Solar system
B) Universe
C) Galaxy

Question 9

Analyze the map and select the proper response for each missing term or phrase.


-Analyze the map and select the proper response for missing term or phrase for number 7.

A) Planets
B) Moons
C) Comets

Question 10

Based on this graph of the number of sunspots per month data from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), when can we expect the next significant disruption to
electronic communications?

A) 2008 (just happened)
B) 2012
C) 2018
D) 2023

Question 11

Which diagram best summarizes the structure of a tectonic plate?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Question 12

Which of these diagrams best illustrates the Earth's orbit around the Sun as viewed looking directly down
on the orbit?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Question 13

What time of year is represented by the global insolation data shown in the diagram below?

A) January
B) July
C) No way to tell

Question 14

How would an increase in rotational tilt angle change the locations of the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn?

A) Both would move toward the poles
B) Both would move toward the equator
C) Both would move north of their present locations
D) Both would move south of their present locations

Question 15

According to the diagram below, what location on Earth most likely experienced this isolation pattern in
2006?

A) Equator
B) Tropic of Cancer
C) Tropic of Capricorn

Question 16

What would happen to the seasons if the tilt of the axis was opposite to what it is now?

A) All seasons would reverse
B) Only winter and summer would reverse
C) Only fall and spring reverse
D) None reverse

Question 17

According to the diagram below, which statement best reflects the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, the
moon, and Mars in our solar system?

A) A represents the Sun, B is the moon, and C is the Earth.
B) A represents the Earth, B is the moon, and C is Mars.
C) D represents the Sun, E is the Earth, and F is the moon.
D) D is the Earth, E is the Sun, and F is Mars.

Question 18

How do scientists estimate the age of the Universe?

A) By measuring the age of the oldest known asteroids
B) By measuring the relative motion of other galaxies
C) By measuring speed of light from distant stars

Question 19

How old is the Universe?

A) 10-20 thousand years
B) 10-29 million years
C) 10-20 billion years

Question 20

What process formed heavy elements, such as iron, found in your body?

A) They formed in the Earth's core during its early stages.
B) They formed during supernovae of ancient stars.
C) They formed during the Big Bang.

Question 21

How does "space weather" affect you?

A) It causes moving air and clouds on Earth that causes weather systems.
B) It causes the Earth's magnetic field to form and permits navigation.
C) It causes electrical surges that can disrupt power systems.

Question 22

Which type of planet is most likely to have volcanoes?

A) Terrestrial or rocky
B) Jovian or gaseous
C) Icy

Question 23

Which statement comparing terrestrial and jovian planets in our solar system is most accurate?

A) Jovian planets are smaller and more dense than terrestrial planets.
B) Jovian planets are larger and more dense than terrestrial planets.
C) Jovian planets are smaller and less than terrestrial planets.
D) Jovian planets are larger and less dense than terrestrial planets.

Question 24

How did scientists initially deduce part of the Earth's core is molten?

A) Because certain vibrations do not pass through it.
B) Because it is the source of molten material for active volcanoes.
C) Because the Earth has a magnetic field that requires this.

Question 25

What type of cooling mechanism relies on movement of material?

A) Convection
B) Conduction
C) Radiative

Question 26

Why are there seasons?

A) Earth gets closer and farther away from the Sun as it orbits annually.
B) Insolation varies annually because of the Earth's rotational tilt.
C) The Sun increases and decreases solar output annually based on the orbit.

Question 27

Why does Earth have a magnetic field?

A) Due to content of atmospheric gases
B) Due to the types of rocks found in the lithosphere
C) Due to the Earth's liquid outer core
D) Due to the proximity to the Sun

Question 28

The Earth is closer to the Sun during summer in the northern hemisphere than it is during winter.

Question 29

If the Earth were smaller it would have a less dense atmosphere.

Question 30

Life on Earth would most likely be less advanced if there were no magnetic field.

Question 31

Temperatures on Earth would be lower if there were less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Question 32

Earth's orbit around the Sun is highly elliptical.

Question 33

If Earth did not have an atmosphere, its surface would have more craters formed by meteorite impacts.

Question 34

If Earth was smaller it would have a warmer interior.