2.5.3 Test (TST): Where Is Earth?
Test
Earth Science Sem 1 Name: Romel Haile
Date:
Answer the following questions thoroughly.
1. The moon's appearance is always changing to an observer on Earth. (10
points)
A. Why does the moon cycle from new moon to full moon? (5 points)
The moon cycles from new moon to full moon due to its orbit around Earth
and its changing position relative to the sun. When the moon is positioned
between the Earth and the sun during a new moon, its dark side faces Earth,
making it appear invisible or very faint in the sky. As it continues its orbit,
gradually more of its illuminated side becomes visible, leading to phases such
as waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, until it reaches the full
moon phase where the entire illuminated side is visible from Earth. This cycle
occurs because of the varying angles at which sunlight hits the moon's
surface as it orbits our planet.
2. What is one way in which Earth is affected by the moon? (5 points)
One way in which Earth is affected by the moon is through its gravitational
influence, which causes the ocean tides. The gravitational pull of the moon
creates a bulge in the oceans on the side facing the moon, leading to high tides,
while on the opposite side, there is another bulge due to the centrifugal force
caused by Earth's rotation, resulting in another high tide. As Earth rotates,
locations experience two high tides and two low tides each day due to the moon's
gravitational effect.
3. Astronomers use various tools to gather evidence in support of the Big Bang
Theory. (20 points)
A. What are two tools used? (4 points)
Two tools used by astronomers to gather evidence in support of the Big Bang
Theory are cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) observations and
the measurement of the redshift of distant galaxies.
B. What evidence is collected by each tool? (6 points)
Cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) observations collect
evidence in the form of faint microwave radiation that fills the universe
uniformly. This radiation is believed to be the remnants of the intense heat
from the early universe, which has since cooled down due to the expansion of
space.
C. How does each piece of evidence support the Big Bang Theory? (10 points)
The evidence collected by cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB)
observations supports the Big Bang Theory by providing a snapshot of the
universe when it was only about 380,000 years old. This radiation is
consistent with the prediction that the universe was once extremely hot and
dense, and has since expanded and cooled over time, which aligns with the
concept of the Big Bang.
4. Stellar equilibrium is the balance of reactions and forces that allows a star to
maintain its size and shape. (10 points)
A. What reactions occur within a star in stellar equilibrium? (4 points)
Reactions occurring within a star in stellar equilibrium include nuclear fusion
reactions, where hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium in the star's core,
releasing tremendous amounts of energy in the process. Another reaction is
the outward pressure generated by the energy released from these fusion
reactions, which counteracts the inward gravitational force trying to collapse
the star.
B. What effect do these reactions have on the star? (1 point)
These reactions result in the generation of energy that radiates outward from
the star's core, providing the necessary pressure to counteract the
gravitational force trying to collapse the star. Essentially, they maintain the
internal pressure needed to support the star against gravitational collapse.
C. What forces hold a star together in stellar equilibrium? (5 points)
The forces that hold a star together in stellar equilibrium primarily include
gravitational force and radiation pressure. Gravitational force acts inward,
trying to collapse the star under its own gravity. However, radiation pressure,
generated by the energy released from nuclear fusion reactions in the star's
core, pushes outward, opposing the gravitational force. These two forces
achieve a delicate balance in stellar equilibrium, preventing the star from
collapsing further or expanding excessively.
5. Astronomers use various forms of evidence to learn more about what early
Earth was like. What are two objects astronomers have used? (10 points)
Two objects astronomers have used to learn more about what early Earth was
like are meteorites and lunar rocks. These objects provide valuable information
about the composition, formation, and conditions present during the early stages
of our planet's history. By studying meteorites and lunar rocks, astronomers can
infer details about the geological processes, atmospheric conditions, and
potential sources of water and organic materials that existed during the
formation of Earth.
6. Imagine that, in the near future, humans will have to find a suitable home on a
new planet. What are three characteristics you would look for in a new home
planet? (15 points)
In searching for a new home planet, three key characteristics would be
habitability, stability, and sustainability. The planet would need to support human
life with breathable air, moderate temperatures, and access to water. It should
also offer geological and environmental stability, minimizing the risk of
catastrophic events. Additionally, sustainability is crucial for long-term survival,
requiring renewable resources and ecosystem balance to support a thriving
population without depleting the planet's natural resources.
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2.5.3 Test (TST): Where Is Earth?
