Unit 1: Astronomy Review

Front

What is an orbital period?

Back

The time it takes a planetary object to complete one orbit.

Front

What is the term for the longest diameter of an ellipse?

Back

Semi-Major Axis.

Front

Why do we see lightning before we hear thunder?

Back

Light waves travel faster than sound waves.

Front

What process powers the Sun?

Back

Fusion.

Front

What is the difference between a planet's orbital period and its speed?

Back

Orbital period is the time taken to complete one orbit, while speed is the distance traveled in that time.

Front

What is the shape of a planet's orbit?

Back

Elliptical.

Front

What is the significance of the semi-minor axis in an ellipse?

Back

It is the shortest diameter of the ellipse.

Front

What is the main difference between fission and fusion?

Back

Fission splits heavy nuclei, while fusion combines light nuclei.

Front

What is the order of planets in our solar system starting from the Sun?

Back

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

Approximately 299,792 kilometers per second.