Astronomy Terms and Motions Review

Which of the following units would be used to measure the distance from Wilmington to Chicago?

• kilometer

• meter

• light year

• astronomical unit

Answer explanation

The distance from Wilmington to Chicago is best measured in kilometers, as it is a practical unit for long distances. Meters are too small, while light years and astronomical units are used for much larger cosmic distances.

Which of the following units would be used to measure the distance between stars and galaxies?

• kilometer

• meter

• light year

• astronomical unit

Answer explanation

The light year is the distance that light travels in one year, making it ideal for measuring vast distances in space, such as between stars and galaxies. Kilometers and meters are too small for such measurements.

Which of the following units would be used to measure the distance between planets in the solar system?

• kilometer

• meter

• light year

• astronomical unit

Answer explanation

The astronomical unit (AU) is the standard measurement for distances within our solar system, defined as the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, making it the most appropriate choice for measuring distances between planets.

Which of the following units would be used to measure the distance between planets in the solar system?

• kilometer

• meter

• light year

• astronomical unit

Answer explanation

The astronomical unit (AU) is the standard measurement for distances within our solar system, defined as the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, making it the most appropriate choice for measuring distances between planets.

What unit is defined by the distance between the Sun and Earth?

• parsec

• light year

• astronomical unit

• megameter

Answer explanation

The astronomical unit (AU) is defined as the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, approximately 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers. This makes 'astronomical unit' the correct choice for the given question.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

How long does it take for Earth to revolve around the Sun?

• 365 1/4 days

• 425 1/2 days

• about 1 year

• 265 3/4 days

Answer explanation

Earth takes about 365 1/4 days to complete one revolution around the Sun, which is commonly referred to as 1 year. Thus, both '365 1/4 days' and 'about 1 year' are correct answers.

How long does it take the Earth to rotate on its axis?

• 1 day

• 12 hours

• 24 hours

• 30 days

Answer explanation

The Earth takes approximately 1 day, or 24 hours, to complete one full rotation on its axis. Both '1 day' and '24 hours' are correct answers, as they represent the same duration.

What is the tilt of Earth's axis?

• 45.3 degrees

• 30 degrees

• 23.5 degrees

• 15 degrees

Answer explanation

The tilt of Earth's axis is approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons as the Earth orbits the Sun, making 23.5 degrees the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How many centimeters are in 14 meters?

• 1400 centimeters

• 14 centimeters

• 140 centimeters

• 14000 centimeters

Answer explanation

To convert meters to centimeters, multiply by 100. Therefore, 14 meters x 100 = 1400 centimeters. The correct answer is 1400 centimeters.

How many millimeters are in 7 meters?

• 700 millimeters

• 7000 millimeters

• 70 millimeters

• 70000 millimeters

Answer explanation

To convert meters to millimeters, multiply by 1000. Therefore, 7 meters x 1000 = 7000 millimeters. The correct answer is 7000 millimeters.