Space Physics Quiz - Set 1

Which of these are found in our solar system?

• planets

• natural satellites

• the Sun

• all of the above

As a protostar becomes denser its temperature increases. Which of the following reactions occur when the thermal energy store gets large enough?

• fission reactions

• fusion reactions

• gravitational reactions

• navigational reactions

What is the first stage in the life cycle of a star called?

• nebula

• main sequence star

• protostar

• red giant

What is the final stage in the life cycle of a star about the same size as the Sun?

• black dwarf

• black hole

• neutron star

• supernova

Which of these correctly describes a black dwarf?

• the last stage of the life cycle of a star about the same size as the Sun, formed when a white dwarf star cools

• the last stage of the life cycle of a star much more massive than the Sun, formed from the supernova of an exceptionally large star

• most stable stage of a star's life cycle; the expansion of the star is due to nuclear fusion in the core equal to the gravitational pull towards the centre

• the leftover core of a star about the same size as the Sun after it has finished the red giant stage; fusion does not occur at this point in the star's life cycle

Which stage of a star’s lifecycle produces elements heavier than iron?

• black dwarf

• black hole

• neutron star

• supernova

Which force keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun?

• frictional

• gravitational

• resistance

• weight

What does the Big Bang theory suggest about the origin of the universe?

• that it began from an exceedingly large region that was cold and dense

• that it began from an exceedingly large region that was hot and dense

• that it began from an exceedingly small region that was cold and dense

• that it began from an exceedingly small region that was hot and dense

Which of these correctly describes red-shift?

• mass in the universe that is invisible to the instruments currently used by scientists

• the force that is believed to be making the universe expand

• the observed increase in the wavelength of light from most distant galaxies

• the theory that suggests that the universe began from an exceedingly small region that was extremely hot and dense

For a stable orbit, what must change if the speed of an object in orbit changes? (HT Only)

• direction

• gravitational pull

• mass of the object

• the radius of the orbit