MP1 Exam Review

What is nuclear fusion?

• A process where atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus

• A process where atomic nuclei split into lighter nuclei

• A chemical reaction involving the exchange of electrons

• A method of generating electricity using water

Answer explanation

Nuclear fusion is the process where atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a significant amount of energy. This is different from nuclear fission, where nuclei split into lighter ones.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What atoms are currently fusing together in the Sun? How many do you need to result in the fusion process?

• Hydrogen atoms, 4

• Helium atoms, 2

• Carbon atoms, 6

• Oxygen atoms, 8

Answer explanation

In the Sun, hydrogen atoms are fusing together. Specifically, four hydrogen nuclei combine through nuclear fusion to form one helium nucleus, releasing energy in the process.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Where does nuclear fusion take place in the Sun?

• Core

• Photosphere

• Corona

• Chromosphere

Answer explanation

Nuclear fusion occurs in the Sun's core, where temperatures and pressures are extremely high, allowing hydrogen nuclei to combine and form helium, releasing energy. The other layers, like the photosphere, corona, and chromosphere, do not facilitate fusion.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

What are the interior features (layers) of the Sun?

• Core, Radiative Zone, Convective Zone

• Crust, Mantle, Core

• Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere

• Lithosphere, Asthenosphere, Mesosphere

Answer explanation

The Sun's interior consists of three main layers: the Core, where nuclear fusion occurs; the Radiative Zone, where energy is transferred by radiation; and the Convective Zone, where energy is transported by convection.

The Sun is considered a stable star because:

• It has a constant energy output.

• It is the largest star in the galaxy.

• It changes its size frequently.

• It is the closest star to Earth.

Answer explanation

The Sun is considered a stable star because it has a constant energy output, which allows it to maintain a steady state over billions of years, unlike stars that frequently change size or have variable outputs.

What is a star?

• A celestial body that produces light and heat

• A type of planet

• A satellite orbiting a planet

• A comet in the solar system

Answer explanation

A star is defined as a celestial body that produces light and heat through nuclear fusion. This distinguishes it from planets, satellites, and comets, which do not generate their own light.

What elements are stars composed of?

• Hydrogen and Helium

• Oxygen and Nitrogen

• Carbon and Silicon

• Iron and Nickel

Answer explanation

Stars are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, which make up about 98% of their mass. Other elements like oxygen, carbon, and iron are present in much smaller amounts.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

How do stars produce energy?

• Through nuclear fusion

• By burning coal

• Through chemical reactions

• By reflecting sunlight

Answer explanation

Stars produce energy through nuclear fusion, a process where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing vast amounts of energy in the form of light and heat. This is the primary source of a star's energy.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

What is a parallax?

• A type of optical illusion

• A method of measuring distance

• A type of lens

• A type of camera

Answer explanation

A parallax is a method of measuring distance by observing an object from two different positions. This technique helps determine how far away the object is based on the apparent shift in its position.

What is absolute and apparent brightness?

• Absolute brightness is the intrinsic brightness of a celestial object, while apparent brightness is how bright the object appears from Earth.

• Absolute brightness is how bright an object appears from Earth, while apparent brightness is the intrinsic brightness of a celestial object.

• Both absolute and apparent brightness refer to the intrinsic brightness of a celestial object.

• Both absolute and apparent brightness refer to how bright an object appears from Earth.

Answer explanation

The correct choice defines absolute brightness as the intrinsic brightness of a celestial object, while apparent brightness refers to how bright the object appears from Earth, highlighting their distinct meanings.