Astronomy Clicker Questions Chapter 7-12
Which moon is the largest in the Solar System? A) Callisto B) Ganymede C) Europa D) Io E) Earth's Moon
B) Ganymede
Which of the terrestrial planets may be currently volcanically active? A) Mercury B) Venus C) Mars D) All three of the above E) None of the above
B) Venus
Which moon has new ice on its surface, making it very reflective? A) Callisto B) Ganymede C) Europa D) Io
C) Europa
What term best explains this process: a group of rare yellowish ants are destroyed accidentally when their home was plowed over at a farm, while a group of brown ants are not disturbed by the farm worker. This then leads to a greater ratio of brown ants to yellow ants in the next generation. A) Mutation B) Migration C) Genetic drift D) Natural selection
C) Genetic drift
Earth lies within the Sun's habitable zone. A) True B) False C) It Depends
C) It Depends
In which way is Titan similar to Earth? A) It is close to the size of Earth B) It has a large amount of liquid water on its surface C) It has a large amount of nitrogen in its atmosphere D) Plant life has been observed on its surface
C) It has a large amount of nitrogen in its atmosphere
The Sun has a mass equal to about 333,000 Earths, and a volume equal to about 1.3 million Earths. This means that the average density of the Sun is _____ the density of Earth. A) Greater than B) Equal to C) Less than
C) Less than
What is the correct order of the layers of the Sun's interior, going from the outside toward the center? A) Radiative zone, convective zone, core, photosphere B) Radiative zone, photosphere, convective zone, core C) Photosphere, convective zone, radiative zone, core D) Convective zone, radiative zone, photosphere, core E) Photosphere, radiative zone, convective zone, core
C) Photosphere, convective zone, radiative zone, core
What layer of Jupiter is responsible for the production of its magnetic field? A) The atmosphere B) The upper ocean of molecular hydrogen C) The layer of metallic hydrogen D) The rocky and metallic core
C) The layer of metallic hydrogen
What is a problem with the development of life on planets that orbit hot, bright stars? A) The size of the habitable zone is too small, giving planets too small a chance to have liquid water B) There is no habitable zone C) The lifespan of these stars is likely to be too short to support the development of life D) There is no problem with developing life around such stars
C) The lifespan of these stars is likely to be too short to support the development of life
What causes the haze in the upper atmosphere of Saturn? A) The helium rain in the lower layers of Saturn B) The fast rotation rate of Saturn C) The lower temperatures due to its distance from the Sun D) It is not understood at all
C) The lower temperatures due to its distance from the Sun
The mass of a positron is equal to which of the following? A) The mass of a photon B) The mass of a neutron C) The mass of an electron D) The mass of a proton E) Zero -it has no mass
C) The mass of an electron
Which is the best conclusion about two organisms that are biologically similar? A) No conclusion about them can be reached without more information B) They originated at the same time on Earth C) They have a recent common ancestor D) They originated during the Cambrian explosion
C) They have a recent common ancestor
Which of the following is not one of the nucleobases of DNA? A) Thymine B) Cytosine C) Uracil D) Guanine E) Adenine
C) Uracil
Which terrestrial planets have similar compositions of their atmospheres? A) Mercury and Mars B) Mercury and Venus C) Venus and Mars D) Earth and Mars E) Venus and Earth
C) Venus and Mars
Using Kepler's third law, p2=p3, and Jupiter's orbital radius of 5AU, approximately how long is Jupiter's orbital period? A) 7.5 years B) 62.5 years C)11.2 years D) 3.9 years
C)11.2 years
Which of the following is responsible for the magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune? A) A magnetic dynamo effect in a core of molten iron B) Oceans of liquid metallic hydrogen C) Solar radiation D) Currents of ammonia ions in a "slush" of ices and liquid hydrogen
D) Currents of ammonia ions in a "slush" of ices and liquid hydrogen
Which of the following is not an intrinsic property of a star? A) Temperature B) Composition C) Mass D) Distance E) Luminosity
D) Distance
The rain on Venus consists of A) Sulfuric acid B) Water rain C) Salt water D) Lava
A) Sulfuric acid
In order for thermonuclear fusion to occur, there must be extremely high temperatures, high densities, and immense pressure. A) True B) False
A) True
Starting at the center of the Sun and going outward all the way to the corona, the density of the Sun is always decreasing. A) True B) False
A) True
There are lakes and rain on Titan. A) True B) False
A) True
The nucleus of an atom is made of A)Protons and neutrons B) Protons and electrons C)Only protons D) Protons and neutrinos
A)Protons and neutrons
The sunspot cycle lasts for a period of A) 4 years B) 11 years C) 22 years D) Forever
B) 11 years
What is the correct order of the phases of the ISM from hottest to coldest? A) H-I clouds, H-II regions and WISM, molecular clouds, coronal gas B) WISM and H-II regions, coronal gas, molecular clouds, H-I clouds C) Coronal gas, molecular clouds, H-I clouds, WISM and H-II regions D) Coronal gas, WISM and H-II regions, H-I clouds, molecular clouds E) WISM and H-II regions, H-I clouds, molecular clouds, coronal gas
D) Coronal gas, WISM and H-II regions, H-I clouds, molecular clouds
Two different cores in a giant molecular cloud have different densities. Core A has a density 5 times larger than core B. How does the free-fall time of core A compare to the free-fall time of core B? A) Free-fall time for core A is 5 times longer B) Free-fall time for core A is 5 times shorter C) Free-fall time for core A is 2.2 times longer D) Free-fall time for core A is 2.2 times shorter
D) Free-fall time for core A is 2.2 times shorter
What is the spectral classification of the Sun? A) B B) A C) F D) G E) K
D) G
The process by which an atom absorbs a photon and ejects an electron, so it is no longer electrically bound to the nucleus, is called A) Radiation B) Hydrolysis C) Catalysis D) Ionization E) Plasmization
D) Ionization
One of the features of living organisms is that they notice and respond to changes in their environment to enhance their survival. What is this called? A) Reproduction B) Metabolism C) Mutation D) Sensitivity
D) Sensitivity
The star Sirius has an apparent magnitude of −1.44, and the star Arcturus has an apparent magnitude of −0.05. Which star has a higher luminosity? A) Sirius B) Arcturus C) They have equal luminosities D) The answer can't be determined without knowing their distances
D) The answer can't be determined without knowing their distances
Which of the following is not a part of the Drake equation? A) The number of stars in the galaxy B) The number of planets orbiting each star C) The fraction of planets in a star's habitable zone D) The fraction of planets with liquid water on the surface E) The fraction of planets on which life evolves
D) The fraction of planets with liquid water on the surface
What is a star's luminosity? A) The apparent brightness of the star B) The surface temperature of the star C) The total lifetime of the star D) The total amount of light the star radiates each second
D) The total amount of light the star radiates each second
How can the formation of the rings around the ice giants be explained? A) They were formed at the same time as the planets formed B) They were formed by captured rings C) They were formed by material ejected from nearby moons D) They were formed from ripped-apart asteroids or comets that passed the Roche limits of the planets
D) They were formed from ripped-apart asteroids or comets that passed the Roche limits of the planets
Many of the differences in the Galilean moons of Jupiter arise naturally from differences in their internal energy generated by:•A) Radioactive decays•B) Energy from the Sun•C) Gravitational contraction D) Tidal forces from Jupiter
D) Tidal forces from Jupiter
A sunspot's darkest region is called the A) Eclipse B) Night C) Penumbra D) Umbra
D) Umbra
All of the following are notable features about Saturn except A)Its low average density B)Its very high rotation rate C) Its ring system D)Its high methane content
D)Its high methane content
In the fusion reactions in the Sun, what percent of the mass of the fused hydrogen nuclei is converted into energy? A) 100% B) 50% C) 7% D) 1% E) 0.7%
E) 0.7%
About how much sunlight does Jupiter receive compared to Earth? (Earth orbits the Sun at 1AU, while Jupiter orbits at a distance of 5AU.) A) 1/2 B) 1/4 C) 1/5 D) 1/10 E) 1/25
E) 1/25
A thymine nucleobase in a DNA molecule will pair with which other nucleobase? A) Another thymine B) Cytosine C) Uracil D) Guanine E) Adenine
E) Adenine
Which of the following is not produced in the P-P chain fusion reaction that takes place in the Sun? A) Helium-4 B) Positrons C) Gamma rays D) Neutrinos E) Electrons
E) Electrons
Most of the energy released in hydrogen fusion in the Sun is carried away by what? A)Protons B)Helium nuclei C)Positrons D)Neutrinos E) Gamma rays
E) Gamma rays
On the HR diagram, what stellar property is plotted on the 푦-axis, and what stellar property is plotted on the 푥-axis, respectively? A) Mass and lifetime B) Radius and mass C) Temperature and mass D) Luminosity and lifetime E) Luminosity and temperature
E) Luminosity and temperature
Sunspots provide information about what feature of the Sun? A) The percentages of its composition that are hydrogen and helium B) The temperature of the Sun's surface C) The temperature of the Sun's core D) The type of nuclear fusion occurring in the Sun's core E) The magnetic field of the Sun
E) The magnetic field of the Sun
In comparative planetology, which planet is the one all are compared to? A) Earth B) Mars C) Jupiter D) Neptune
A) Earth
Deuterium is a form of which element? A) Hydrogen B) Helium C) Oxygen D) Carbon E) Nitrogen
A) Hydrogen
There is evidence that past volcanic activity has shaped the surfaces of all of the terrestrial planets except for: A) Mercury B) Venus C) Mars D) None of the above -there is evidence for past volcanic activity on all of these terrestrial planets
A) Mercury
Which of the terrestrial planets has the oldest, most unchanged surface? A) Mercury B) Venus C) Earth D) Mars E) They are all about the same
A) Mercury
The period that might have been the most conducive for the presence of microbial life on Mars is the A) Noachian period B) Hesperian period C) Amazonian period
A) Noachian period
Why does the pattern of granulation of the Sun's surface have darker edges? A) There are temperature differences between the center of granules and their edges. B) The matter is denser at the edges, so light cannot exit there.
A) There are temperature differences between the center of granules and their edges
Starting at the center of the Sun and going outward all the way to the corona, the temperature of the Sun is always decreasing. A) True B) False
B) False
Why is water important to planetary geologists? A) It is the basis of life as we know it. B) It can provide evidence for geologic history. C) It can help explain planetary evolution. D) All of the above. E) None of the above.
D) All of the above.
How is a summer solstice in the northern hemisphere on Uranus different than Earth? A) During the summer solstice, Uranus's northern hemisphere is actually tilted away from the Sun B) Uranus doesn't experience a solstice because it is tidally locked and the same side of the planet is always facing the Sun C) Because Uranus's rotation axis wobbles in a regular way, Uranus's northern hemisphere experiences two summer solstices during one of its "years" D) During the summer solstice on Uranus, the Sun doesn't set for a full half of the planet instead of just a small region near the north pole
D) During the summer solstice on Uranus, the Sun doesn't set for a full half of the planet instead of just a small region near the north pole
Which of the four Galilean moons doesn't have a subsurface ocean? A) Callisto B) Ganymede C) Europa D) Io
D) Io
Super-Earths are exoplanets that have a rocky structure like Earth but are several times larger and more massive than Earth. If one of these exoplanets is found orbiting a star at about the same distance as Earth orbits the Sun, which of the following features would we expect to be the least likely? A) A strong magnetic field B) Ongoing volcanic activity•C) A dense atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide D) Large bodies of liquid water on the surface E) High surface temperatures
D) Large bodies of liquid water on the surface
Which of the following is the most important process for tuning an organism to its environment? A) Mutation B) Migration C) Genetic drift D) Natural selection
D) Natural selection
The layer of the Sun responsible for emitting the blackbody radiation that we observe from Earth is the: A) Chromosphere B) Radiative zone C) Convective zone D) Photosphere E) Corona
D) Photosphere
Which of the following is not considered a basic feature of living things? A) Mutation B) Sensitivity C) Organic molecules D) Respiration E) Reproduction
D) Respiration
Which of the following is not an important type of organic molecule? A) DNA B) RNA C) Proteins D) Silicates
D) Silicates
Two neighboring regions, A and B, of ISM have equal pressures. Region A has a density that is 3times larger than region B. What is the ratio of the temperature in region A to region B? A) 1/3 B) 1/9 C) 3 D) 9•E) 1(they are the same temperature)
A) 1/3
Which has the highest pressure on Jupiter? A) Belts B) Zones
A) Belts
Organic molecules are defined as molecules that include the element: A) Carbon B) Nitrogen C) Oxygen D) Hydrogen E) Uranium
A) Carbon
The place where all a star's energy is produced is the: A) Core B) Radiative zone C) Convective zone D) Photosphere E) Corona
A) Core
Small (10−1to 101um) crystals of silicates and carbon with a covering of water ice and other frozen volatile compounds are called A) Dust grains B) Comet specks C) Star powder D) Interstellar sand
A) Dust grains
When a core in a giant molecular cloud begins to collapse under gravity, and there is nothing to balance the effect of gravity on the core because of the low temperature of the cloud, the gas is said to be experiencing A) Free-fall B) Convection C) Turbulence D) Outflowing E) Ionization
A) Free-fall
Which method of energy generation is used by the Sun today? A) Hydrogen fusion by the P-P chain B) Hydrogen fusion by the CNO cycle C) Helium fusion D) Gravitational contraction
A) Hydrogen fusion by the P-P chain
Which phase of the ISM are the clouds where stars form? A) Molecular clouds B) H-I clouds C) H-II regions D) WISM E) Coronal gas
A) Molecular clouds
The star Sirius has an apparent magnitude of −1.44, and the star Arcturus has an apparent magnitude of −0.05. Which star appears brighter from Earth? A) Sirius B) Arcturus C) They appear equally bright D) The answer can't be determined without knowing their distances
A) Sirius
Stars A and B have the same temperature, but star A is known to have a higher luminosity than star B. What is true about the sizes of these stars? A) Star A is larger than star B B) Star B is larger than star A C) The stars are the same size since they have the same temperature D) Nothing can be determined about the sizes of the stars without more information
A) Star A is larger than star B
What is the interstellar medium? A) The gas and dust spread between the stars within the galaxy B) The accretion disk of a binary star C) The envelope that surrounds a protostar D) The map of the sky showing where ionized hydrogen is present
A) The gas and dust spread between the stars within the galaxy
The HR diagrams for two different globular clusters are shown here. Which cluster is older? A) The left one B) The right one C) They are the same age, the differences arise because of some other property D) There's no way to tell
A) The left one
Suppose we plot every single observable star's luminosity and temperature on the HR diagram. One billion years from now, if we again plotted every single star on the HR diagram, where would we expect to see fewer stars appear than before? A) The top left of the main sequence B) The middle of the main sequence C) The bottom right of the main sequence
A) The top left of the main sequence
Blue stars are hotter than red stars. A) True B) False
A) True
E=MC2is a statement that matter and energy, once thought to be two separate phenomena of nature, are actually the same phenomenon in two different forms. A) True B) False
A) True
Flares are caused by very twisted magnetic field lines that break and then reconnect, releasing large amounts of radiation. A) True B) False
A) True
The layers of Jupiter's atmosphere display many colors. These colors result from: A)Complex compounds interacting with the Sun's energy B) Refraction and dispersion of light through Jupiter's very thick and dense atmosphere C)Black body radiation from Jupiter's hot, dense interior
A)Complex compounds interacting with the Sun's energy
What large feature of the Sun's surface is shown in the picture here? A)Sunspots B) Solar flares C)Granulation D) Coronal mass ejections E)Magnetic flux tubes
A)Sunspots
Which of the terrestrial planets has an internal structure most like the Earth's? A) Mercury B) Venus C) Mars D) All three of the above E) None of the above
B) Venus
What is the name of the process in which nonliving material combines to transform it into living material (in other words, the creation of life from nonlife)? A) Genesis B) Abiotic synthesis C) Molecular energetics D) Inorganic transmutation
B) Abiotic synthesis
Solar granulation is evidence of which process taking place within the Sun? A) Hydrogen fusion by the P-P chain B) Transport of solar energy through convection C) Transport of solar energy through radiation D) Emission of blackbody radiation E) Differential rotation
B) Transport of solar energy through convection
Which of the following statements is true? A) Both apparent magnitude and absolute magnitude are relational properties of a star B) Apparent magnitude is a relational property of a star, and absolute magnitude is an intrinsic property of a star C) Apparent magnitude is an intrinsic property of a star, and absolute magnitude is a relational property of a star D) Both apparent magnitude and absolute magnitude are intrinsic properties of a star
B) Apparent magnitude is a relational property of a star, and absolute magnitude is an intrinsic property of a star
The star Sirius has an absolute magnitude of 1.45, and the star Arcturus has an absolute magnitude of −0.31. Which star appears brighter from a distance of 10pc? A) Sirius B) Arcturus C) They appear equally bright D) The answer can't be determined without knowing their distances
B) Arcturus
The star Sirius has an absolute magnitude of 1.45, and the star Arcturus has an absolute magnitude of −0.31. Which star has a higher luminosity? A) Sirius B) Arcturus C) They have equal luminosities D) The answer can't be determined without knowing their distances
B) Arcturus
How do stars on the main sequence obtain their energy? A) From chemical reactions B) By converting hydrogen into helium C) From gravitational contraction D) From nuclear fission
B) By converting hydrogen into helium
How do scientists know that molecular clouds are turbulent? A) Satellite imaging data B) Doppler shift measurements C) Computer simulations D) Spitzer telescope observations
B) Doppler shift measurements
All mutations are beneficial for a species. A) True B) False
B) False
CMEs eject only a minor amount of mass and energy into the Solar System. A) True B) False
B) False
Due to the cold environment of the ice giants resulting from their distance from the Sun, there is no weather occurring in their atmospheres. A) True B) False
B) False
In our galaxy, there are approximately equal numbers of stars with 1 solar mass and 10 solar masses. A) True B) False
B) False
Jupiter and Earth both generate energy internally through gravitational contraction. A) True B) False
B) False
Life can only exist if it can use the energy of a star. A) True B) False
B) False
Parallax is an effective way of accurately measuring the distance to a star at the far end of the Milky Way galaxy. (The Milky Way galaxy is about 150,000pc across, or 46,000pc.) A) True B) False
B) False
Splitting a single atom will result in a nuclear explosion. A) True B) False
B) False
The Drake equation has been conclusively solved. A) True B) False
B) False
The HR diagram shows us that over the course of their lifecycles, stars will begin at the top left end of the main sequence and slowly transition down to the bottom right end of the main sequence. A) True B) False
B) False
The moons of Mars -Deimos and Phobos -are certainly captured asteroids from the nearby asteroid belt that lies between Mars and Jupiter. A) True B) False
B) False
Unlike the gas giants, the ice giants Uranus and Neptune contain very little hydrogen. A) True B) False
B) False
The wind speeds on Saturn are so high due to the A) Size of Saturn B) Fast rotation rate C) Presence of large moons D) Concentration of light elements in its atmosphere
B) Fast rotation rate
Triton is special due to its A) Location close to Neptune B) Geological activity, including geysers of nitrogen C) Atmosphere, which is similar to Earth's D) Complete geological inactivity
B) Geological activity, including geysers of nitrogen
Which phase of the ISM is composed of neutral hydrogen gas? A) Molecular clouds B) H-I clouds C) H-II regions D) WISM E) Coronal gas
B) H-I clouds
Which phase of the ISM is detected by emissions of the 21cm radio wavelength? A) Molecular clouds B) H-I clouds C) H-II regions D) WISM E) Coronal gas
B) H-I clouds
The most common atoms found within Jupiter and Saturn are: A) Methane and ammonia B) Hydrogen and helium C) Iron and carbon
B) Hydrogen and helium
The balance between the inward gravitational pull of the Sun and the outward pressure from reactions in the Sun is called A) Thermonuclear stasis B) Hydrostatic equilibrium C) Convective dynamism D) Tidal balancing
B) Hydrostatic equilibrium
Why does Venus not have a strong magnetic field? A) It does not have a large metallic core B) It rotates so slowly C) It cooled so quickly D) The reason is not understood
B) It rotates so slowly
One of the features of living organisms is that they consume energy and produce waste. What is this called? A) Reproduction B) Metabolism C) Mutation D) Sensitivity
B) Metabolism
The free-fall time of a cloud of gas depends on which property of the cloud? i. Size ii. Density iii. Temperature A) Only i. B) Only ii. C) Only iii. D) i. and ii. E) ii. and iii.
B) Only ii.
The zone of the Sun where the energy is transported by radiation from the lower region of the zone to the upper region is the: A) Core B) Radiative zone C) Convective zone D) Photosphere E) Chromosphere
B) Radiative zone
What is the name of the range of luminosities and temperatures where most observed stars fall on the HR diagram? A) The stellar band B) The main sequence C) The globular cluster D) The evolutionary track E) The stellar progression
B) The main sequence
What is the main reason why Mercury does not have a strong magnetic field? A) The planet has a slow rotation rate. B) The planet's metallic core cooled off billions of years ago. C) The planet is too small.
B) The planet's metallic core cooled off billions of years ago.
Which of the terrestrial planets has a crust broken up into many plates? A) Mercury B) Venus C) Mars D) All three of the above E) None of the above
B) Venus
The star Vega is located 7.7pc from Earth. What is its observed angular shift in the sky when viewed 6 months apart, measured in arcminutes (′)? A) 7.7′ B) 0.13′ C) 0.0022′ D) 7.8′
C) 0.0022′
A particular organic molecule is 8 nucleotides long. Suppose there are only 3 different kinds of nucleotides to choose from. Approximately how much time would be required to assemble the organic molecule randomly from nucleotides, assuming it takes 2 seconds to assemble one combination of 8 nucleotides? A) 48 seconds B) 43,046,721 seconds C) 13,122 seconds D) 576 seconds E) 1024 seconds
C) 13,122 seconds
Every second, the Sun fuses about 1011푘푔of hydrogen into helium. How much energy is produced by the Sun every second from these reactions? (푐=3×108푚/푠) A) 2.1×1017x10^17 B) 9.0×1027x10^27 C) 6.3×1025x10^25 D)3.0×1019x10^19
C) 6.3×1025x10^25
How much time will a star spend on the main sequence if its mass is three times that of the Sun? A) 3.00×10^10 yr B) 1.56×10^11yr C) 6.42×10^8yr D) 7.50×10^10yr E) None of the above
C) 6.42×10^8yr
The Great Red Spot is: A) A simple coloration of the atmosphere B) An artifact of the formation of Jupiter C) A long-lasting storm of gigantic proportions and strength
C) A long-lasting storm of gigantic proportions and strength
Which of the phases of terrestrial planet evolution features significant impacts from planetesimals? i. Cratering ii. Magma flooding iii. Weathering A) Only i. B) Only ii. C) Both i. and ii. D) Both i. and iii. E) i., ii., and iii.
C) Both i. and ii.
The layer inside the Sun where energy is transported by the movement of hot material is the: A) Core B) Radiative zone C) Convective zone D) Chromosphere E) Corona
C) Convective zone
The specific region within a giant molecular cloud where the density is high enough to form a single star is called a(n) A) Clump B) Blob C) Core D) Accretion disk E) Molecular outflow
C) Core
The importance of the Miller-Urey experiment was that scientists were able to A) Develop self-replicating molecules in the laboratory B) Develop small microorganisms in the laboratory C) Develop prebiotic molecules from simpler molecules
C) Develop prebiotic molecules from simpler molecules
Which type of binary stars can be detected in a method similar to the transit method for detecting exoplanets? A) Astrometric binaries B) Spectroscopic binaries C) Eclipsing binaries
C) Eclipsing binaries
Which phase of the ISM is ionized by nearby hot stars? A) Molecular clouds B) H-I clouds C) H-II regions D) WISM E) Coronal gas
C) H-II regions
The most massive stars primarily undergo what process to produce energy? A) Hydrogen fusion into deuterium B) Hydrogen fusion into helium via the P-P chain C) Hydrogen fusion into helium via the CNO cycle D) Fusion of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen into iron
C) Hydrogen fusion into helium via the CNO cycle
Which of the following is not true about the presence of water on Mars? A) There are runoff channels and outflow channels that indicate water may have flowed across the surface of Mars in the past B) Mars has a northern polar ice cap that contains water ice C) Ponds and lakes of water are present on Mars's surface D) Water ice has been found beneath the surface of Mars in some regions E) Martian rocks contain minerals that only form in the presence of water
C) Ponds and lakes of water are present on Mars's surface
Which of the following is not one of the processes in living systems that leads to changes in genes and their distribution? A) Natural selection B) Genetic drift C) Replication D) Mutation E) Migration
C) Replication
Which of the following is not one of the stages of evolution of the terrestrial planets? A) Magma flooding B) Differentiation C) Solar irradiation D) Cooling E) Cratering
C) Solar irradiation
The slight amount of helium and hydrogen found on Mercury comes from: A) Earth B) The internal structure of Mercury C) The Sun D) Nearby space
C) The Sun
According to the life-expectancy-mass relationship for stellar evolution, which stars will have the longest lifespan? A) The most massive stars B) Intermediate mass stars C) The least massive stars
C) The least massive stars
How do astronomers measure stellar evolution? A) They watch a star evolve from birth to death. B) They determine a star's stage of evolution in a binary system from the calculation of its orbit. C) They find links between the properties they can measure and the story of stellar evolution. D) They cannot measure stellar evolution; they guess the age of a star by its color.
C) They find links between the properties they can measure and the story of stellar evolution.
Dust grains in ISM tend to scatter and absorb which wavelengths of light? A) Radio B) Infrared C) Visible D) All of the above
C) Visible
Earth is about twice the size of Mars, meaning the diameter of Earth is about twice the diameter of Mars. What is the ratio of Mars's cooling time over Earth's cooling time? A) 2 B) 4 C) 1 D) 1/2 E) 1/4
D) 1/2
A history of volcanic activity on Mars is supported by which of the following pieces of evidence? A) Mars has the largest volcano in the solar system B) The atmosphere of Mars is almost entirely carbon dioxide C) Mars's surface has large fields of volcanic rocks called basalts D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Brown dwarfs are A) Formed from very low mass protostars B) Fuse hydrogen into deuterium C) Found at the center of a collapsing cloud core D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Why do we use radio telescopes to search for extraterrestrial life? A) Radio waves are not easily absorbed or scattered B) Radio waves allow us to search over vast distances C) Examining radio waves with a 21cm wavelength allows us to look for signals associated with the presence of hydrogen, which is a part of water. D) All of the above E) None of the above
D) All of the above
The variable stars that serve as standard candles for determining distances of stars in our galaxy and other galaxies are called A) Perseids B) Pleiades C) Hyades D) Cepheids E) Orionids
D) Cepheids
