Topic 1 Practice Test

Which theory describes the beginning of the universe as starting from a tiny point and then rapidly expanding?

• Collision theory

• Parallax theory

• Big Bang theory

• Supernova theory

Answer explanation

The Big Bang theory describes the universe's origin from a singular point, which then underwent rapid expansion, leading to the cosmos we observe today. This distinguishes it from other theories like collision or supernova.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

What is the current understanding of the universe's state?

• It's staying the same

• It's contracting

• It's expanding

• It's dying off

Answer explanation

Current observations show that the universe is expanding, as evidenced by the redshift of distant galaxies. This expansion is a key aspect of modern cosmology, confirming that the universe is not static or contracting.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

What is the parallax effect used in astronomy? (Choose two)

• It measures the apparent motion of an object against distant background stars

• It's best used to measure distances to nearby stars

• It's best used to measure distances to extremely far-away stars

• It determines distances from only one side of Earth's orbit around the sun

Answer explanation

The parallax effect measures the apparent motion of nearby stars against distant background stars, making it effective for determining distances to these stars, not for extremely far-away ones.

Order the following cosmic objects from smallest to largest:

• Star, Star system, Star cluster, Galaxy, Universe

• Star system, Star, Star cluster, Galaxy, Universe

• Star, Star cluster, Star system, Galaxy, Universe

• Star, Star system, Galaxy, Star cluster, Universe

Answer explanation

The correct order from smallest to largest is: a Star (individual celestial body), Star system (group of stars), Star cluster (collection of star systems), Galaxy (massive system of stars), and Universe (all of space).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What is formed when the gravity of a massive dying star's remaining mass is so strong that it pulls the gases inward, packing it into a smaller and smaller space?

• Supernova

• Dark matter

• Black hole

• Planetary nebula

Answer explanation

When a massive dying star collapses under its own gravity, it compresses the remaining mass into an extremely small space, leading to the formation of a black hole, where the gravitational pull is so strong that not even light can escape.

What two factors keep the moon in orbit around Earth?

• Gravity and inertia

• Mass and distance

• Rotation and Revolution

• Attraction and Repulsion

Answer explanation

The moon orbits Earth due to gravity, which pulls it towards Earth, and inertia, which keeps it moving forward in its path. Together, these forces create a stable orbit.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Which two pieces of information are needed to calculate a star's absolute brightness?

• Its distance from the sun

• Its chemical composition

• Its apparent brightness

• Its distance from Earth

Answer explanation

To calculate a star's absolute brightness, you need its apparent brightness (how bright it appears from Earth) and its distance from Earth. These two factors allow you to determine its true luminosity.

What is the outer layer of the sun's atmosphere called?

• Photosphere

• Chromosphere

• Corona

• Radiative zone

Answer explanation

The outer layer of the sun's atmosphere is called the corona. It is the hottest part of the sun's atmosphere and is visible during a solar eclipse, unlike the photosphere and chromosphere, which are inner layers.

What is the term for a streak of light made when an object burns up as it enters Earth's atmosphere?

• Meteorite

• Meteor

• Comet

• Asteroid

Answer explanation

A meteor is the term for a streak of light produced when an object, such as a meteoroid, burns up upon entering Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a shooting star.

Which astronomer's calculations proved that the shape of a planet's orbit is an ellipse, not a circle?

• Aristarchus

• Nicolaus Copernicus

• Johannes Kepler

• Tycho Brahe

Answer explanation

Johannes Kepler's laws of planetary motion demonstrated that planets orbit the sun in elliptical paths, not circular ones. His work built on the precise observations of Tycho Brahe, leading to this groundbreaking conclusion.