Study Quiz Set: Components of the Universe

Which of the following lists places the celestial objects in order from smallest to largest?

• Galaxy, solar system, universe

• Universe, galaxy, solar system

• Solar system, galaxy, universe

• Universe, solar system, galaxy

Tags

112.20.b.8.A

Scientists observe a large, rocky, irregularly shaped object orbiting the sun. This object would best be classified as -

• a nebula

• an asteroid

• a comet

• a star

Tags

112.20.b.8.A

The Milky Way is a disk-shaped galaxy with a diameter between 150,000 and 200,000 light years. Scientists on Earth are unable to see the entire shape and structure of the Milky Way. Which statement best explains why scientists are unable to observe the entire shape of the Milky Way galaxy?

• The Milky Wy is entirely made of black holes

• The Earth is a part of the Milky Way galaxy

• Bright supergiant stars are blocking their view of the Milky Way

• The Milky Way is too far away to be seen with current technology.

Tags

112.20.b.8.A

Which of the following statements is the best description of a galaxy?

• A large object that orbits a star and does not emit light

• A sphere of matter with a density and temperature great enough to cause a nuclear reaction at its center

• A group of billions of stars, dust, and many other types of objects held together by a gravitational attraction

• A collection of dust and gases that forms stars or results from dying stars

Tags

112.20.b.8.A

According to the Big Bang Theory, all matter and energy was focused into one point and then it exploded and expanded outward. The universe is still (shrinking, expanding) today.

• shrinking

• expanding

The universe is made up of a wide variety of components. Which of the following lists places these components of the universe in order from largest to smallest?

• Planet, star, nebula, galaxy

• Nebula, star, galaxy, planet

• Planet, star, galaxy, nebula

• Galaxy, nebula, star, planet

Tags

112.20.b.8.A

Using the Hubble Space Telescope, scientists observe a large sphere of plasma. The object has a density and temperature great enough to cause a nuclear reaction at its core. This object would best be classified as a -

• star

• galaxy

• nebula

• comet

Tags

112.20.b.8.A

In January of 1996, an amateur astronomer discovered a small, icy object traveling around the sun. The object was observed to have a long tail composed of gas and dust. Based on this information, the astronomer most likely discovered a -

• white dwarf

• galaxy

• asteroid

• comet

Tags

112.20.b.8.A