U2 astronomy Poststudy guide

Earth's magnetosphere is not uniformly shaped. It is compressed on the side facing the Sun and has a long tail extending away from the Sun. Which phenomenon is responsible for this shape?

• centrifugal force of Earth's rotation

• gravitational attraction between Earth and the Sun

• solar winds bringing high-energy particles toward Earth

• differences in the distance between Earth and the Sun during Earth's orbit

What is the primary means through which the Sun warms Earth?

• fluctuation of subatomic particles

• fluctuation of gravitational fields

• transfer of energy through conduction

• transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves

The diagram shows the relationship of the Sun and Earth if Earth's axis were at a 90° angle relative to its orbit. How would seasons on Earth differ in this alignment compared to the actual alignment?

• Current seasons on Earth would not be affected.

• No point on Earth would experience a change in seasons.

• The entire planet would experience the same season at all times.

• Seasons would switch every six months instead of every three months.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which statement best describes how photosynthesis affects Earth's energy budget?

• Photosynthesis destroys a significant amount of incoming solar radiation.

• Photosynthesis transforms a small amount of solar radiation into chemical energy.

• Photosynthesis increases the amount of solar energy that is reflected back into space.

• Photosynthesis prevents most of the incoming solar energy from heating Earth's atmosphere.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

What keeps stars such as the Sun from collapsing from their own self-gravity?

• The centrifugal force created by rapid rotation

• The electrical repulsion of nuclei in the plasma

• The gas/rotational pull created by orbiting planets

• The outward pressure created by nuclear fusion

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Which subatomic particles are involved in the nuclear fusion that powers the Sun?

• Protons and neutrons

• Electrons and protons

• Only protons

• Only electrons

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Nuclear fusion is the source of energy for stars. Besides hydrogen, which other element is most likely also common in stars?

• Helium

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

• Uranium

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

By the year 14000, the axis of Earth will point toward the star Vega. This is due to the very slow wobble of the axis of Earth. What is this wobble called?

• Rotation

• Revolution

• Precession

• Oscillation

The surface or crust of Earth's surface that faces the Sun, does absorb and partially explains why Earth's oceans are not uniformly heated by the Sun. Which statement accurately explains how oceans and land absorb and retain the Sun's energy?

• More energy is absorbed and stored by oceans than by land.

• More energy is absorbed and stored by land than by oceans.

• Although oceans absorb more energy than land, land stores more energy than oceans.

• Although land absorbs more energy than oceans, oceans store more energy than land.

Which accurately describes the process stars use to convert matter into energy?

• Atoms split, decreasing the average size of atomic nuclei.

• Atoms fuse, increasing the average size of atomic nuclei.

• Atoms release electrons to form positive ions.

• Atoms acquire electrons to form negative ions.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-PS1-8