Astronomy - IOP1

1. What characteristic distinguishes a meteorite from a meteoroid?

• a. size

• b. composition

• c. location

• d. velocity

2. 2. Which celestial object is primarily composed of frozen gases, dust, and rocky material?

• a. asteroid

• b. meteoroid

• c. comet

• d. Moon

3. 3. What makes Halley's Comet one of the most renowned celestial objects in history?

• a. Its massive size and bright appearance.

• b. Its unique orbital period of 76 years.

• c. Its frequent collisions with other celestial bodies.

• d. Its role in ancient myths and legends.

4. 4. What is the estimated size of an asteroid that would cause widespread devastation on Earth but leave some survivors?

• a. 1 to 2 miles (1.6 to 3.2 kilometers) wide.

• b. 7 to 8 miles (11 to 12 kilometers) wide.

• c. 30 to 40 miles (48 to 64 kilometers) wide.

• d. 60 miles (96 kilometers) wide.

5. 5. Why are meteorites significant for understanding the origins of life on Earth?

• a. They contain valuable minerals and resources essential for human survival.

• b. They provide evidence of ancient civilizations that once inhabited Earth.

• c. They carry organic compounds necessary for life, such as carboxylic acids and amino acids.

• d. They emit signals that can be decoded to reveal extraterrestrial intelligence.

6. 6. Give one example that describes an asteroid.

• a. plain

• b. rocky

• c. soft

• d. All of the above.

7. 7. Name that one neighboring planet which serves as a shield from asteroids?

• a. Saturn

• b. Jupiter

• c. Venus

• d. None of the above.

8. Why is an asteroid considered dangerous? Evaluate the following options and choose the most comprehensive reason:

• a. Large Size: The size of an asteroid can lead to significant destruction upon impact.

• b. High Speed: The speed of an asteroid can increase the force of impact, causing more damage.

• c. Unpredictable Trajectories: Asteroids can change their paths unexpectedly, making them hard to track and predict.

• d. All of the above: An asteroid can be dangerous due to its large size, high speed, and unpredictable trajectories, as these factors combined can lead to severe consequences upon impact.

9. 9. What is the classification of the object that is described as a space rock crashing through Earth's atmosphere?

• a. Asteroid: A large rocky body that orbits the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

• b. Comet: A small celestial body composed of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when close to the Sun, displays a visible coma (atmosphere) and sometimes a tail.

• c. Meteors: A small rocky or metallic body in outer space that is smaller than an asteroid.

• d. A & B

10. What characteristics of an asteroid would most likely result in wiping out almost everything on Earth? Give the INCORRECT answer.

• a. Small Size and Slow Speed: An asteroid that is small in size and travels at a slow speed would cause big damage upon impact.

• b. Large Size and High Speed: An asteroid that is large in size and travels at a high speed could have catastrophic consequences upon impact.

• c. Irregular Shape: An asteroid with an irregular shape would break apart upon entering the atmosphere, reducing its biggest impact.

• d. A&C