Earth in Space Benchmarks

Stars produce energy in their core by: Burning gases in the center of the star They use nuclear fission (splitting atoms) of heavier elements into lighter elements The different sizes of stars have different chemical reactions in the core Stars use nuclear fusion of lighter elements into heavier elements Response Grid

The lifetime of a star will depend on: The mass of the star The more fuel it has the longer it lives The color of the star The apparent brightness of the star Response Grid

What is the next phase in the lifecycle of a star after a Red Super Giant “dies” and heavy elements, such as gold and uranium are formed? A planetary nebula A main sequence star A white dwarf A supernova Response Grid

What force balances the outward pressure from nuclear fusion to keep a star stable? Friction Gravity Inertia Opposite charges Response Grid

The fusion reaction that occurs during the main sequence stage of a star’s life cycle is: Hydrogen fusing to form Helium Helium fusing to form Hydrogen Carbon fusing to form Iron Hydrogen fusing to form Iron Response Grid

One difference between fusion and fission is that: Fission occurs naturally, whereas fusion doesn’t Fission is the joining of nuclei, where as fusion is the splitting of nuclei Fusion is the joining of nuclei, where as fission is the splitting of nuclei Energy is released in fission and not in fusion Response Grid

The Big Bang theory is used to describe: The origin of the Solar System The origin of the Milky Way galaxy The origin of the Universe The origin of Earth Response Grid

A major piece of evidence that supports the Big Bang Theory is … There is not enough evidence because the Big Bang is only a theory The Red Shift of stars and galaxies Scientists have discovered planets orbiting other stars in the universe Scientist have seen other big bangs in nearby galaxies Response Grid

What is currently happening with the Universe that supports the Big Bang Theory? The Universe is expanding and decreasing in temperature The Universe is contracting and increasing in temperature The Universe is expanding and increasing in temperature The Universe is contracting and decreasing in temperature Response Grid

Based on the current evidence, scientists estimate the age of the Universe to be: 12-14 million years old 5-6 billion years old 12-14 billion years old 5-6 million years old Response Grid

All electromagnetic radiation has this in common: They all can penetrate any type of matter. They all have the same wave frequency. They are all visible to the human eye. They all travel at the speed of light through empty space. Response Grid

Which one of the following types of electromagnetic radiation has the highest frequency? Radio waves Gamma rays Microwaves Ultraviolet Response Grid

Which of the following characteristics is true about all types of electromagnetic radiation? They are unable to travel through space They do not require a medium to travel through They must have a medium to travel through They all have same amount of energy Response Grid

A tool that astronomers use to detect the longest electromagnetic waves in space would be: A radio telescope An x-ray telescope A visible light telescope High powered binoculars Response Grid