Origins of the Universe Flashcard

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

A cloud of gas and dust in space.

Front

What happens to the pitch of a sound when the source moves away from the observer?

Back

The pitch decreases.

Front

What is the Doppler Effect?

Back

The change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

Front

What happens to the pitch of a siren when a police car moves towards you?

Back

The pitch increases.

Front

What process forms helium atoms from hydrogen in the Sun?

Back

Nuclear fusion.

Front

What are gas giants?

Back

Large planets that are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, similar to Jupiter.

Front

What is the main difference between terrestrial and gas giant planets?

Back

Terrestrial planets are rocky, while gas giants are composed mostly of gases.

Front

What is the significance of the Big Bang Theory?

Back

It explains the origin of the universe as a rapid expansion from a singular point.

Front

What is cosmic background radiation?

Back

The afterglow radiation from the Big Bang, filling the universe.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

A region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape.