Earth and Space Science Quiz

Nutation is the slight change in the angle of Earth's tilt from 22.1° to 24.5°.

What effect does nutation have on Earth?

• The length of day may vary.

• The length of the year may vary.

• There may be changes in tides.

• There may be changes in seasonal effects.

The theory that the universe is expanding is supported by the data from the

• nuclear decay of radioactive materials

• red shift of light from distant galaxies

• nuclear fusion of radioactive materials

• blue shift of light from distant galaxies

Based on the red shifts of distant galaxies, astronomers conclude that

• New galaxies are continually being added to the universe

• Earth is the center of the universe

• The universe is contracting

• The universe is expanding

According to Kepler's 3rd Law of planetary motion, the farther a planet is located from the Sun, the

• Shorter its period of rotation

• Longer its period of rotation

• Shorter its period of revolution

• Longer its period of revolution

Which sequence correctly lists the relative sizes from smallest to largest?

• Milky Way Galaxy, Universe, our Solar System

• Milky Way Galaxy, Our Solar System, Universe

• Our Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy, Universe

• Universe, Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy

Ocean tides observed at coastal locations each day are primarily caused by

• Earth's revolution around the Sun

• The Moon's rotation on its axis

• The gravitational attraction between the moon and earth

• Seasonal changes in the compass location of sunrise

The length of a year is determined by the amount of time it takes

• The Moon to revolve around Earth

• Earth to revolve around the Sun.

• Earth to rotate on its axis

• The Sun to rotate on its axis.

According to Kepler's 2nd Law, at what position would this planet be moving fastest?

• planet is closest to the sun

• planet is below the sun

• planet is beside the sun

• planet is farthest from the sun

Light and radiation are given off by the Sun using energy released during

• Radioactive Decay

• Conduction

• Convection

• Nuclear Fusion

How does the tilt of Earth's axis affect the seasons?

• By changing the amount of direct solar energy reaching the surface of Earth

• By influencing the rate of chemical reactions occurring in the atmosphere

• By deflecting the harmful rays of radiation

• By changing the speed of the rotation of Earth