Astronomy Pre-Assessment

Ptolemy introduced the geocentric model of the solar system, which was highly influenced by Aristotle's ideas. Copernicus introduced the heliocentric model, which was adopted by the astronomers who followed. Based on this information, what did Aristotle and Galileo most likely believe about the solar system?

• Aristotle and Galileo believed Earth was the center of the solar system.

• Aristotle and Galileo believed the Sun was the center of the solar system.

• Aristotle believed Earth was the center of the solar system, and Galileo believed the Sun was the center of the solar system.

• Aristotle believed the Sun was the center of the solar system and Galileo believed Earth was the center of the solar system.

Select two variable that determine the gravitational force between two objects.

• mass

• volume

• magnetism

• distance

• density and speed

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which ball will require the most force to lift?

• The beach ball because it is the largest in size.

• The soccer ball because it has the most mass.

• The baseball because it has the most material.

• The golf ball because it is the smallest in size.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

The following question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A:

Tamra knows that gravitational force exists between objects that are not in contact with each other. She is investigating gravitational force using two objects that are of equal mass. The two objects are at a distance of 5 ft apart from each other. What will MOST LIKELY occur if Tamra increases the distance between the objects to 10 ft?

• The gravitational force will not change.

• The gravitational force will increase.

• The gravitational force will decrease.

• The gravitational force will disappear.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

Part B:

Which piece of evidence BEST supports the argument in Part A? (the previous question)

• Gravitational force between two objects is dependent on the mass and distance between each object.

• Gravitational force between two objects is independent of the mass and distance between each object.

• Gravitational force between two objects is only dependent of the mass of each object.

• Gravitational force between two objects is only dependent on the distance between each object.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Earth is part of the galaxy known as the

• Milky Way

• Omega Centauri

• Triangulum galaxy

• Andromeda galaxy

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Look at the information in the table.

Which planet is most similar to Earth in terms of size and density?

• Mercury

• Venus

• Jupiter

• Mars

Which statement best explains why the planets orbit around the Sun?

• The Sun exerts the largest gravitational force due to its mass.

• The Sun exerts the smallest gravitational force due to its mass.

• The Sun exerts the largest gravitational force due to its location.

• The Sun exerts the smallest gravitational force due to its location.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

While gazing through a telescope, Elexi noticed a bright spot moving fast through the sky. On closer examination, she observed the spot was followed by a stream of dust. Elexi most likely observed

• An asteroid

• A comet

• A meteor

• A moon

The diagram shows the orbits of several planets in the solar system.

What would cause Mars to follow the path marked with Arrow 1 instead of following its orbit?

• The other planets' gravitational forces being removed from the system.

• Mars's moons escaping Mars's gravity and orbiting the Sun instead

• Earth's moon escaping Earth's gravity and orbiting Mars instead

• The Sun's gravitational force being removed from the system.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4