Question 1

Which of the following represents the estimated amount of time that the sun has left to live?

Accepted Answer

A)  5 million years 
B)  10 million years 
C)  5 billion years 
D)  10 billion years 
A)  5 million years 
B)  10 million years 
C)  5 billion years 
D)  10 billion years C

Question 2

In this chapter, the authors state that in 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined the definition of the term planet as a celestial body. In a paragraph, provide this definition, and then speak to why, according to this definition, Pluto is no longer considered a planet.

Accepted Answer

The definition is as follows:
 A celestial body that:
• Is in orbit around the Sun
• Has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape
• Has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit ("cleared the neighborhood" means that the planet is the dominant gravitational force and that any other bodies of similar size in the area of the planet are under its gravitational influence)
According to this definition, Pluto is no longer considered a planet because, while it meets the same first two criteria as a planet, it has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit, and it is not a satellite.

Question 3

Which of the following defines constellations?

Accepted Answer

A)  Earth's natural satellites 
B)  Groups of stars forming specific patterns 
C)  A rapidly spinning remnant of a supernova explosion 
D)  Extremely bring objects in the universe at the centers of galaxies 
A)  Earth's natural satellites 
B)  Groups of stars forming specific patterns 
C)  A rapidly spinning remnant of a supernova explosion 
D)  Extremely bring objects in the universe at the centers of galaxies B

Question 4

Elementary students are highly interested in topics such as black holes, yet astronomers know very little about the nature of black holes. In fact, their existence is hypothesized but not yet fully confirmed. In at least three sentences, describe what it is about the nature of black holes that makes them so difficult for astronomers to study.

Accepted Answer

To begin with, black holes cannot be see

Question 5

In at least three sentences, describe the characteristics of pulsars, and speculate about why astronomers are interested in studying them.

Accepted Answer

The characteristics are as follows:
• A

Question 6

The North Star holds much historical significance. For example, the North Star was vital during the period of history in which African Americans were seeking emancipation. Given its importance, describe in a paragraph how you would help children understand how to find the North Star in the sky.

Accepted Answer

Responses will vary, but should include

Question 7

Which of the following describes a type of star that was discovered because its magnetic field caused some spacecraft to automatically shut down their instruments?

Accepted Answer

A)  Leptar 
B)  Pulsar 
C)  Quasar 
D)  Magnetar 
A)  Leptar 
B)  Pulsar 
C)  Quasar 
D)  Magnetar

Question 8

In at least three sentences, describe the characteristics of quasars, and speculate about why astronomers are interested in studying them.

Accepted Answer

The characteristics are as follows:
• Th

Question 9

The space shuttle has had some enormous successes and tragic failures as a method of space exploration. Consequently, some would argue that it is an overly expensive and dangerous undertaking with research goals that could be more easily fulfilled through the use of space vehicles without humans on board. In a paragraph, describe what you see as the principal long-term benefits of using the space shuttle.

Accepted Answer

Responses will vary, but should include

Question 10

It is believed that the sun formed about 5 billion years ago. In a paragraph, describe the process that is assumed to have taken place, resulting in the sun's formation.

Accepted Answer

The assumed process is as follows:
• The

Question 11

In at least three sentences, describe the characteristics of black holes, and speculate about why astronomers are interested in studying them.

Accepted Answer

The characteristics are as follows:
• Bl

Question 12

If you were in search of the Hubble Space Telescope, the most likely place you would find it would be which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  As part of the Sojourner rover vehicle 
B)  At the Palomar Observatory 
C)  In orbit around the Earth 
D)  Mounted on Voyager I 
A)  As part of the Sojourner rover vehicle 
B)  At the Palomar Observatory 
C)  In orbit around the Earth 
D)  Mounted on Voyager I

Question 13

The terms solar system, galaxy, and universe are often confused as people speak about astronomy. In a paragraph, discuss how these terms are related to one another.

Accepted Answer

Within the universe are billions of clus

Question 14

The Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle can best be thought of as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  An unmanned space vehicle 
B)  A space vehicle to land on Mars 
C)  A space vehicle to orbit the Earth 
D)  A replacement for the International Space Station 
A)  An unmanned space vehicle 
B)  A space vehicle to land on Mars 
C)  A space vehicle to orbit the Earth 
D)  A replacement for the International Space Station

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the International Space Station?

Accepted Answer

A)  The result of a cooperative effort among nations to construct the first space vehicle to leave our Solar System 
B)  The result of a cooperative effort among nations to construct the first space vehicle to orbit and study comets 
C)  The first space vehicle to carry humans to Mars 
D)  A laboratory in orbit around the Earth 
A)  The result of a cooperative effort among nations to construct the first space vehicle to leave our Solar System 
B)  The result of a cooperative effort among nations to construct the first space vehicle to orbit and study comets 
C)  The first space vehicle to carry humans to Mars 
D)  A laboratory in orbit around the Earth

Question 16

It is believed that the Earth's moon formed several billion years ago. In a paragraph, describe the process that is assumed to have taken place, resulting in the moon's formation.

Accepted Answer

The assumed process is as follows:
• Roc

Question 17

The Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) is described as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  A galaxy 
B)  A satellite 
C)  A magnetar 
D)  A space shuttle 
A)  A galaxy 
B)  A satellite 
C)  A magnetar 
D)  A space shuttle

Question 18

Considering only general size, density, and chemical composition, which of the following planets is most similar to Earth?

Accepted Answer

A)  Jupiter 
B)  Venus 
C)  Saturn 
D)  Neptune 
A)  Jupiter 
B)  Venus 
C)  Saturn 
D)  Neptune

Question 19

Which of the following can be described as a remnant of a supernova explosion?

Accepted Answer

A)  Comet 
B)  Quasar 
C)  Pulsar 
D)  Black hole 
A)  Comet 
B)  Quasar 
C)  Pulsar 
D)  Black hole

Question 20

Which of the following represents a range that is closest to the true age of the universe?

Accepted Answer

A)  5-10 million years 
B)  50-100 million years 
C)  8-20 billion years 
D)  50-100 billion years 
A)  5-10 million years 
B)  50-100 million years 
C)  8-20 billion years 
D)  50-100 billion years

Which of the following represents the estimated amount of time that the sun has left to live?

In this chapter, the authors state that in 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined the definition of the term planet as a celestial body. In a paragraph, provide this definition, and then speak to why, according to this definition, Pluto is no longer considered a planet.

Which of the following defines constellations?

In at least three sentences, describe the characteristics of pulsars, and speculate about why astronomers are interested in studying them.

The North Star holds much historical significance. For example, the North Star was vital during the period of history in which African Americans were seeking emancipation. Given its importance, describe in a paragraph how you would help children understand how to find the North Star in the sky.

Which of the following describes a type of star that was discovered because its magnetic field caused some spacecraft to automatically shut down their instruments?

In at least three sentences, describe the characteristics of quasars, and speculate about why astronomers are interested in studying them.

It is believed that the sun formed about 5 billion years ago. In a paragraph, describe the process that is assumed to have taken place, resulting in the sun's formation.

In at least three sentences, describe the characteristics of black holes, and speculate about why astronomers are interested in studying them.

If you were in search of the Hubble Space Telescope, the most likely place you would find it would be which of the following?

The terms solar system, galaxy, and universe are often confused as people speak about astronomy. In a paragraph, discuss how these terms are related to one another.

The Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle can best be thought of as which of the following?

Which of the following best describes the International Space Station?

It is believed that the Earth's moon formed several billion years ago. In a paragraph, describe the process that is assumed to have taken place, resulting in the moon's formation.

The Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) is described as which of the following?

Considering only general size, density, and chemical composition, which of the following planets is most similar to Earth?

Which of the following can be described as a remnant of a supernova explosion?

Which of the following represents a range that is closest to the true age of the universe?

Inquiry: The Path; Discovery: The Destination

Science Practices and Inquiry Process Skills

Planning Units and Lessons

Creating Environments for Discovery

Assessment of Understanding and Inquiry

Integrating Science and Engineering

Earth and Space Science

Living Things

The Human Body

Matter and Motion

Energy, Technologyengineering

Filters

Exam 8: The Cosmos

Which of the following represents the estimated amount of time that the sun has left to live?

In this chapter, the authors state that in 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined the definition of the term planet as a celestial body. In a paragraph, provide this definition, and then speak to why, according to this definition, Pluto is no longer considered a planet.

Which of the following defines constellations?

In at least three sentences, describe the characteristics of pulsars, and speculate about why astronomers are interested in studying them.

The North Star holds much historical significance. For example, the North Star was vital during the period of history in which African Americans were seeking emancipation. Given its importance, describe in a paragraph how you would help children understand how to find the North Star in the sky.

Which of the following describes a type of star that was discovered because its magnetic field caused some spacecraft to automatically shut down their instruments?

In at least three sentences, describe the characteristics of quasars, and speculate about why astronomers are interested in studying them.

It is believed that the sun formed about 5 billion years ago. In a paragraph, describe the process that is assumed to have taken place, resulting in the sun's formation.

In at least three sentences, describe the characteristics of black holes, and speculate about why astronomers are interested in studying them.

If you were in search of the Hubble Space Telescope, the most likely place you would find it would be which of the following?

The terms solar system, galaxy, and universe are often confused as people speak about astronomy. In a paragraph, discuss how these terms are related to one another.

The Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle can best be thought of as which of the following?

Which of the following best describes the International Space Station?

It is believed that the Earth's moon formed several billion years ago. In a paragraph, describe the process that is assumed to have taken place, resulting in the moon's formation.

The Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) is described as which of the following?

Considering only general size, density, and chemical composition, which of the following planets is most similar to Earth?

Which of the following can be described as a remnant of a supernova explosion?

Which of the following represents a range that is closest to the true age of the universe?

Inquiry: The Path; Discovery: The Destination

Science Practices and Inquiry Process Skills

Planning Units and Lessons

Creating Environments for Discovery

Assessment of Understanding and Inquiry

Integrating Science and Engineering

Earth and Space Science

Living Things

The Human Body

Matter and Motion

Energy, Technologyengineering

Filters