Question 1

How many electrons orbit the nucleus of a singly ionized oxygen atom? The atomic number of oxygen is 8.

Accepted Answer

A)  7 
B)  6 
C)  9 
D)  8 
A)  7 
B)  6 
C)  9 
D)  8

Question 2

Isotopes of a particular element in the periodic table have the same number of _____ in the nucleus.

Accepted Answer

A)  neutrons but different numbers of protons and electrons 
B)  protons but different numbers of neutrons 
C)  neutrons but different numbers of protons 
D)  protons and neutrons 
A)  neutrons but different numbers of protons and electrons 
B)  protons but different numbers of neutrons 
C)  neutrons but different numbers of protons 
D)  protons and neutrons

Question 3

Which of these is NOT one of the four fundamental forces in nature?

Accepted Answer

A)  strong nuclear 
B)  gravitational 
C)  friction 
D)  electromagnetic 
A)  strong nuclear 
B)  gravitational 
C)  friction 
D)  electromagnetic

Question 4

As a newly formed star continues to contract, its temperature increases, while the chemical nature of the gas does not change. Which of these could happen to the peak wavelength of its emitted radiation?

Accepted Answer

A)  The peak wavelength will move toward shorter wavelengths (e.g., IR to visible). 
B)  The peak wavelength will not change because it does not depend on temperature. 
C)  The peak wavelength will remain constant because the chemical state of the gas does not change. 
D)  The peak wavelength will move toward longer wavelengths (e.g., visible to IR). 
A)  The peak wavelength will move toward shorter wavelengths (e.g., IR to visible). 
B)  The peak wavelength will not change because it does not depend on temperature. 
C)  The peak wavelength will remain constant because the chemical state of the gas does not change. 
D)  The peak wavelength will move toward longer wavelengths (e.g., visible to IR).

Question 5

If all stars are considered to be perfect blackbodies, then which of these relationships should hold regarding the energy flux, or energy emitted per unit area, from stars?

Accepted Answer

A)  All stars of the same mass emit the same energy flux. 
B)  All stars of the same temperature emit the same energy flux. 
C)  All stars of the same composition (made of exactly the same material) emit the same energy flux. 
D)  All stars of the same distance emit the same energy flux. 
A)  All stars of the same mass emit the same energy flux. 
B)  All stars of the same temperature emit the same energy flux. 
C)  All stars of the same composition (made of exactly the same material) emit the same energy flux. 
D)  All stars of the same distance emit the same energy flux.

Question 6

A scientist reports that his measurement of the temperature of the surface of a newly discovered planet is -20 K. What conclusion can be drawn from this report?

Accepted Answer

A)  The scientist measured only the dark side of the planet, away from the Sun. 
B)  The planet has no atmosphere. 
C)  The planet is a very long way from the Sun. 
D)  The result is erroneous because absolute temperature cannot be negative. 
A)  The scientist measured only the dark side of the planet, away from the Sun. 
B)  The planet has no atmosphere. 
C)  The planet is a very long way from the Sun. 
D)  The result is erroneous because absolute temperature cannot be negative.

Question 7

Carbon-14 (14C) has a half-life of approximately 6000 years. A researcher investigating a piece of ancient wood determines that there is only 1/4 as much 14C present in the wood now as there was when the tree that the wood came from was alive. How old is the piece of wood?

Accepted Answer

A)  12,000 years 
B)  The age cannot be determined from this information. 
C)  9000 years 
D)  24,000 years 
A)  12,000 years 
B)  The age cannot be determined from this information. 
C)  9000 years 
D)  24,000 years

Question 8

When a solid body (or a dense gas such as a star) cools from a temperature of several thousand degrees, the "color" or wavelength of maximum emission of radiation will

Accepted Answer

A)  move initially toward the red end of the spectrum, then move back toward the blue end of the spectrum as the intensity of radiation fades and eventually becomes invisible to the eye. 
B)  move steadily toward the blue end of the spectrum. 
C)  remain constant, as it depends only on the original color of the body. 
D)  move steadily toward the red end of the spectrum. 
A)  move initially toward the red end of the spectrum, then move back toward the blue end of the spectrum as the intensity of radiation fades and eventually becomes invisible to the eye. 
B)  move steadily toward the blue end of the spectrum. 
C)  remain constant, as it depends only on the original color of the body. 
D)  move steadily toward the red end of the spectrum.

Question 9

Where and by what technique was the element helium first discovered?

Accepted Answer

A)  in radioactive rocks, by radioactive measurements of uranium deposits 
B)  on the Sun, from spectroscopy during a solar eclipse 
C)  in the laboratory, by examining the spectrum of heated chemicals in a flame 
D)  in the upper atmosphere of Earth, by studying the spectrum of the aurora, or northern lights 
A)  in radioactive rocks, by radioactive measurements of uranium deposits 
B)  on the Sun, from spectroscopy during a solar eclipse 
C)  in the laboratory, by examining the spectrum of heated chemicals in a flame 
D)  in the upper atmosphere of Earth, by studying the spectrum of the aurora, or northern lights

Question 10

An electron is in the n = 3 energy level in a hydrogen atom. What can be said about the spectral series in which it can participate by making a single atomic transition?

Accepted Answer

A)  If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Lyman series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Balmer series. 
B)  If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Lyman series or the Paschen series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Balmer series. 
C)  If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Balmer series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Paschen series. 
D)  If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Paschen series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Lyman series or the Balmer series. 
A)  If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Lyman series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Balmer series. 
B)  If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Lyman series or the Paschen series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Balmer series. 
C)  If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Balmer series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Paschen series. 
D)  If the electron gains energy, it can participate in the Paschen series; if it loses energy, it can participate in the Lyman series or the Balmer series.

Question 11

An electron is in the n = 3 energy level in a hydrogen atom. To ionize this atom, it is necessary for the electron to gain a minimum of how much energy? See Figure 4-11.

Accepted Answer

A)  1.5 eV 
B)  4.5 eV 
C)  12.1 eV 
D)  13.6 eV 
A)  1.5 eV 
B)  4.5 eV 
C)  12.1 eV 
D)  13.6 eV

Question 12

The diameter of the nucleus of a typical atom is

Accepted Answer

A)  10-4 of the diameter of the atom. 
B)  10-3 of the diameter of the atom. 
C)  1/2000 of the diameter of the atom. 
D)  about half of that of the atom. 
A)  10-4 of the diameter of the atom. 
B)  10-3 of the diameter of the atom. 
C)  1/2000 of the diameter of the atom. 
D)  about half of that of the atom.

Question 13

Radiant energy shines on a blackbody, raising its temperature and causing it to emit radiation. The spectrum of radiation it emits depends on

Accepted Answer

A)  the spectrum of the radiation it has absorbed. 
B)  its temperature. 
C)  its volume. 
D)  its shape. 
A)  the spectrum of the radiation it has absorbed. 
B)  its temperature. 
C)  its volume. 
D)  its shape.

Question 14

The important breakthrough in theoretical physics that was first suggested by Planck to explain the shape of the spectrum of a hot body was the

Accepted Answer

A)  discovery of the formula F = $\sigma$T4, which can be used to calculate the total energy flux emitted by the hot body over all wavelengths. 
B)  idea that light traveled at a constant speed, whatever the speed of the source. 
C)  idea that light is a form of electromagnetic energy transmitted at a constant speed and that there is a continuous spectrum of electromagnetic waves from gamma rays to radio waves. 
D)  concept that electromagnetic energy was emitted in small packets, or quanta. 
A)  discovery of the formula F = $\sigma$T4, which can be used to calculate the total energy flux emitted by the hot body over all wavelengths. 
B)  idea that light traveled at a constant speed, whatever the speed of the source. 
C)  idea that light is a form of electromagnetic energy transmitted at a constant speed and that there is a continuous spectrum of electromagnetic waves from gamma rays to radio waves. 
D)  concept that electromagnetic energy was emitted in small packets, or quanta.

Question 15

Of the four combinations of particles that form the nuclei of atoms, which one does NOT make up the nucleus of an isotope of the same element as the other three?

Accepted Answer

A)  7 protons, 9 neutrons 
B)  8 protons, 10 neutrons 
C)  8 protons, 9 neutrons 
D)  8 protons, 8 neutrons 
A)  7 protons, 9 neutrons 
B)  8 protons, 10 neutrons 
C)  8 protons, 9 neutrons 
D)  8 protons, 8 neutrons

Question 16

The force that holds the atomic nucleus together is

Accepted Answer

A)  gravitational. 
B)  electrical. 
C)  weak nuclear. 
D)  strong nuclear. 
A)  gravitational. 
B)  electrical. 
C)  weak nuclear. 
D)  strong nuclear.

Question 17

How much heavier is a typical hydrogen atom than a proton?

Accepted Answer

A)  twice as heavy 
B)  1 part in 2000 
C)  2000 times heavier 
D)  A hydrogen atom is lighter than a proton. 
A)  twice as heavy 
B)  1 part in 2000 
C)  2000 times heavier 
D)  A hydrogen atom is lighter than a proton.

Question 18

The proper motions of stars are

Accepted Answer

A)  easy to measure for most stars on photographs taken 6 months apart. 
B)  noticeable to the unaided eye as a gradual shift of the constellations westward over the course of a month or two. 
C)  easy to observe with the unaided eye over the course of an hour or two. 
D)  difficult to measure even on photographs taken several years apart for any but the nearest stars. 
A)  easy to measure for most stars on photographs taken 6 months apart. 
B)  noticeable to the unaided eye as a gradual shift of the constellations westward over the course of a month or two. 
C)  easy to observe with the unaided eye over the course of an hour or two. 
D)  difficult to measure even on photographs taken several years apart for any but the nearest stars.

Question 19

Atoms in a low-density, hot gas (e.g., in a fluorescent lamp or a neon tube) emit a spectrum that is

Accepted Answer

A)  a series of emissions at specific colors whose wavelengths change in position as the gas temperature is changed. 
B)  a series of emissions at certain wavelengths that are the same for all atoms but vary with temperature. 
C)  a series of specific colors unique to the type of atom in the tube but fixed in position when the gas temperature changes. 
D)  continuous over all visible wavelengths, with maximum intensity in the red. 
A)  a series of emissions at specific colors whose wavelengths change in position as the gas temperature is changed. 
B)  a series of emissions at certain wavelengths that are the same for all atoms but vary with temperature. 
C)  a series of specific colors unique to the type of atom in the tube but fixed in position when the gas temperature changes. 
D)  continuous over all visible wavelengths, with maximum intensity in the red.

Question 20

An astronomer observes two stars of the same surface temperature, but one has twice the diameter of the other. How many times larger is the energy production rate per unit surface area from the larger star compared with that from the smaller star?

Accepted Answer

A)  2 
B)  4 
C)  16 
D)  They are the same. 
A)  2 
B)  4 
C)  16 
D)  They are the same.

How many electrons orbit the nucleus of a singly ionized oxygen atom? The atomic number of oxygen is 8.

Isotopes of a particular element in the periodic table have the same number of _____ in the nucleus.

Which of these is NOT one of the four fundamental forces in nature?

As a newly formed star continues to contract, its temperature increases, while the chemical nature of the gas does not change. Which of these could happen to the peak wavelength of its emitted radiation?

If all stars are considered to be perfect blackbodies, then which of these relationships should hold regarding the energy flux, or energy emitted per unit area, from stars?

A scientist reports that his measurement of the temperature of the surface of a newly discovered planet is -20 K. What conclusion can be drawn from this report?

Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) has a half-life of approximately 6000 years. A researcher investigating a piece of ancient wood determines that there is only 1/4 as much ¹⁴C present in the wood now as there was when the tree that the wood came from was alive. How old is the piece of wood?

When a solid body (or a dense gas such as a star) cools from a temperature of several thousand degrees, the "color" or wavelength of maximum emission of radiation will

Where and by what technique was the element helium first discovered?

An electron is in the n = 3 energy level in a hydrogen atom. What can be said about the spectral series in which it can participate by making a single atomic transition?

An electron is in the n = 3 energy level in a hydrogen atom. To ionize this atom, it is necessary for the electron to gain a minimum of how much energy? See Figure 4-11.

The diameter of the nucleus of a typical atom is

Radiant energy shines on a blackbody, raising its temperature and causing it to emit radiation. The spectrum of radiation it emits depends on

The important breakthrough in theoretical physics that was first suggested by Planck to explain the shape of the spectrum of a hot body was the

Of the four combinations of particles that form the nuclei of atoms, which one does NOT make up the nucleus of an isotope of the same element as the other three?

The force that holds the atomic nucleus together is

How much heavier is a typical hydrogen atom than a proton?

The proper motions of stars are

Atoms in a low-density, hot gas (e.g., in a fluorescent lamp or a neon tube) emit a spectrum that is

An astronomer observes two stars of the same surface temperature, but one has twice the diameter of the other. How many times larger is the energy production rate per unit surface area from the larger star compared with that from the smaller star?

Discovering the Night Sky

Gravitation and the Motion of the Planets

Light and Telescopes

Exoplanets and the Formation of Planetary Systems

Formation of the Solar System

Earth and the Moon

The Other Terrestrial Planets

The Outer Planets

Vagabonds of the Solar System

The Sun: Our Extraordinary Star

Characterizing Stars

The Lives of Stars From Birth Through Middle Age

The Death of Stars

Black Holes: Matters of Gravity

The Milky Way Galaxy

Galaxies

Quasars and Other Active Galaxies

Cosmology

Astrobiology

Filters

Exam 4: Atomic Physics and Spectra

How many electrons orbit the nucleus of a singly ionized oxygen atom? The atomic number of oxygen is 8.

Isotopes of a particular element in the periodic table have the same number of _____ in the nucleus.

Which of these is NOT one of the four fundamental forces in nature?

As a newly formed star continues to contract, its temperature increases, while the chemical nature of the gas does not change. Which of these could happen to the peak wavelength of its emitted radiation?

If all stars are considered to be perfect blackbodies, then which of these relationships should hold regarding the energy flux, or energy emitted per unit area, from stars?

A scientist reports that his measurement of the temperature of the surface of a newly discovered planet is -20 K. What conclusion can be drawn from this report?

Carbon-14 (14C) has a half-life of approximately 6000 years. A researcher investigating a piece of ancient wood determines that there is only 1/4 as much 14C present in the wood now as there was when the tree that the wood came from was alive. How old is the piece of wood?

When a solid body (or a dense gas such as a star) cools from a temperature of several thousand degrees, the "color" or wavelength of maximum emission of radiation will

Where and by what technique was the element helium first discovered?

An electron is in the n = 3 energy level in a hydrogen atom. What can be said about the spectral series in which it can participate by making a single atomic transition?

An electron is in the n = 3 energy level in a hydrogen atom. To ionize this atom, it is necessary for the electron to gain a minimum of how much energy? See Figure 4-11.

The diameter of the nucleus of a typical atom is

Radiant energy shines on a blackbody, raising its temperature and causing it to emit radiation. The spectrum of radiation it emits depends on

The important breakthrough in theoretical physics that was first suggested by Planck to explain the shape of the spectrum of a hot body was the

Of the four combinations of particles that form the nuclei of atoms, which one does NOT make up the nucleus of an isotope of the same element as the other three?

The force that holds the atomic nucleus together is

How much heavier is a typical hydrogen atom than a proton?

The proper motions of stars are

Atoms in a low-density, hot gas (e.g., in a fluorescent lamp or a neon tube) emit a spectrum that is

An astronomer observes two stars of the same surface temperature, but one has twice the diameter of the other. How many times larger is the energy production rate per unit surface area from the larger star compared with that from the smaller star?

Discovering the Night Sky

Gravitation and the Motion of the Planets

Light and Telescopes

Exoplanets and the Formation of Planetary Systems

Formation of the Solar System

Earth and the Moon

The Other Terrestrial Planets

The Outer Planets

Vagabonds of the Solar System

The Sun: Our Extraordinary Star

Characterizing Stars

The Lives of Stars From Birth Through Middle Age

The Death of Stars

Black Holes: Matters of Gravity

The Milky Way Galaxy

Galaxies

Quasars and Other Active Galaxies

Cosmology

Astrobiology

Filters

Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) has a half-life of approximately 6000 years. A researcher investigating a piece of ancient wood determines that there is only 1/4 as much ¹⁴C present in the wood now as there was when the tree that the wood came from was alive. How old is the piece of wood?