GCSE Astronomy Topic 9 Origins of the Moon

Which of these is NOT a theory for the origin of the Moon?

• Giant impact hypothesis

• Capture theory

• Co-accretion theory

• Disrupted orbit hypothesis

In the Giant Impact hypothesis, what is the name of the large body which collided with Earth?

• Vulcan

• Breia

• Theia

• Freya

In the Giant Impact hypothesis, what was the approximate size of the object which collided with Earth?

• Jupiter-sized

• Similar size to the Earth

• The size of Ceres

• Mars-sized

Which of these statements about the Moon's core is evidence to support the Giant impact hypothesis?

• The Moon has a very small iron core for its size

• The Moon has a very large iron core relative to its size

• The Moon has no iron core.

• Th Moon's iron core produces a very strong magnetic field

Which of these statements describes the Capture Theory of the Moon's origin?

• A large body collided with Earth and the resulting bodies formed the Moon and earth

• The Earth and Moon both formed where they are now

• The Moon and Earth in different places. The Moon became trapped by Earth's gravity

• The Proto-Earth spun so fast that it separated into two bodies. One became the Moon

Which of these is evidence which does not support the Capture theory of the Moon's origin?

• The Moon and Earth are made of similar materials

• The gravitational field of the Earth is stronger tan the Moon's

• There is no easily explained mechanism to "slow" the Moon down

• The Moon does not have an atmosphere

What is the Co-accretion theory?

• The Moon travelled too close to Earth and was attracted by its gravitational field.

• A large body collide with Earth. The resulting debris formed the Earth and Moon

• The Moon and Earth formed at the same time and in the same place from the disc of dust and gas which became our Sun and solar system

• Gradually, due to thermal expulsion and extreme volcanic activity, fragments of Earth were ejected into space, forming an orbiting body - The Moon

In the widely accepted Giant Impact theory, KREEP elements have very similar percentages in the Earth and Moon. What do the letters KREEP stand for?

• K = potassium

  REE = Rare earth elements

  P = Phosphorus

• KR = Krypton

  EE = Really exotic elements

  P = Potassium

• K = Kryptonite

  RE = Rhenium

  EP = Europium

• K = Kenne

  R =Roquefort

  E = Edam

  E = Emmental

  P = Parmigiano

The Moon has a layer that the Earth does not, just above the outer core.

What is it called

• Thick toasted crust

• Semi-mantle

• Radiative zone

• Partial melt

How big is the Earth's core as a percentage of the Earth's diameter?

• 10%

• 25%

• 50%

• 65%