1.
How fast must the wind be blowing for a storm to be considered a hurricane?
Correct Answer
B. 74 mpH
Explanation
A storm is considered a hurricane when the wind speed reaches 74 mph. This is the threshold at which a storm is classified as a hurricane according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Wind speeds below 74 mph would be classified as a tropical storm or a lesser category of storm. Wind speeds of 74 mph or higher indicate the destructive power and intensity that is associated with a hurricane.
2.
They name hurricanes after what?
Correct Answer
C. Women and men, alpHabetical and boy-girl-boy-girl
Explanation
Hurricanes are named after women and men in an alphabetical order, alternating between boy-girl-boy-girl. This naming convention was introduced by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to make it easier to identify and track hurricanes. By using both male and female names, the WMO aims to promote gender equality and avoid any biases. The alphabetical order helps in organizing and referencing the storms, while the alternating pattern ensures fairness and diversity in the selection of names.
3.
How many categories of hurricane are there?
Correct Answer
E. 5
Explanation
There are five categories of hurricanes. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds. Category 1 hurricanes have wind speeds of 74-95 mph, while Category 5 hurricanes have wind speeds exceeding 157 mph. The scale helps to assess the potential damage and impact of a hurricane.
4.
The LHC does what?
Correct Answer
E. Smashes protons together at huge energies
Explanation
The LHC, or Large Hadron Collider, is a particle accelerator that smashes protons together at incredibly high energies. This collision allows scientists to study the fundamental particles and forces that make up the universe. By observing the aftermath of these collisions, researchers can gain insights into the nature of matter and the origins of the universe. The LHC's primary purpose is not to create energy for Europeans, create black holes, or create gold, but rather to advance our understanding of particle physics.
5.
The Universe is how old?
Correct Answer
A. 15 billion years
Explanation
The correct answer is 15 billion years because scientists have determined that the age of the universe is approximately 13.8 billion years. This age is calculated based on various observations and measurements, such as the cosmic microwave background radiation and the rate of expansion of the universe. These findings are supported by multiple lines of evidence from different branches of science, including astronomy and physics.
6.
There are how many fundamental forces?
Correct Answer
D. 4
Explanation
There are four fundamental forces in nature: gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, and strong nuclear force. These forces are responsible for the interactions between particles and play a crucial role in the behavior of matter and energy in the universe.
7.
The strong force
Correct Answer
A. keeps the quarks in a proton together
Explanation
The strong force is responsible for keeping the quarks in a proton together. This force is one of the four fundamental forces of nature and is the strongest force among them. It binds the quarks together, overcoming the electromagnetic force that would otherwise cause them to repel each other. Without the strong force, protons would not be able to exist and atoms would not form.
8.
Gravity
Correct Answer
B. Keeps us on the ground
9.
The electromagnetic force
Correct Answer
D. Keeps electrons in orbit around the nucleus
Explanation
The correct answer is "Keeps electrons in orbit around the nucleus". This is because the electromagnetic force is responsible for the attraction between negatively charged electrons and positively charged protons in an atom. This force keeps the electrons in their respective energy levels or orbits around the nucleus, preventing them from flying off into space. Without this force, electrons would not be able to maintain stable orbits and atoms would not exist as we know them.
10.
The beginning of star formation starts with
Correct Answer
E. A cloud of dust and gas
Explanation
The correct answer is a cloud of dust and gas. Star formation begins with a cloud of dust and gas. These clouds are composed of various elements and molecules that come together due to gravity. As the cloud collapses under its own weight, it starts to heat up and the pressure increases. Eventually, the temperature and pressure become high enough for nuclear reactions to occur, leading to the formation of a star.
11.
The "fuel" that burns in the center of a star like our sun is
Correct Answer
C. The fusion of hydrogen into helium
Explanation
The correct answer is the fusion of hydrogen into helium. In the center of a star like our sun, hydrogen atoms undergo a process called nuclear fusion, where they combine to form helium. This fusion process releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat, which is what powers the sun and allows it to shine. Fossil fuel, magic, uranium fission, and solar energy are not the correct answers because they do not accurately describe the process that occurs in the center of a star.
12.
How many types of stars are there in the O through M scale of stars?
Correct Answer
B. 7
Explanation
In the O through M scale of stars, there are seven types of stars. This scale categorizes stars based on their spectral characteristics, with O being the hottest and M being the coolest. The seven types of stars in this scale are O, B, A, F, G, K, and M. Each type represents a different temperature range and has its own unique set of characteristics.
13.
All the elements heavier than lithium were
Correct Answer
A. Made in the center of stars
Explanation
The correct answer is "made in the center of stars" because elements heavier than lithium, such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, are formed through stellar nucleosynthesis. This process occurs in the core of stars during their life cycle, where high temperatures and pressures allow for nuclear fusion reactions to take place, creating heavier elements. These elements are then released into space through stellar explosions, such as supernovae, and eventually become part of new star systems and planetary bodies.
14.
When the sun runs out of hydrogen fuel
Correct Answer
D. It will become a red giant
Explanation
When the sun runs out of hydrogen fuel, it will undergo a process called stellar evolution. As the core contracts and heats up, the outer layers of the sun will expand, causing it to become a red giant. During this phase, the sun will increase in size and become much brighter. Eventually, it will shed its outer layers and form a planetary nebula, leaving behind a dense, hot core known as a white dwarf. Therefore, the correct answer is that the sun will become a red giant.
15.
The Milky Way is
Correct Answer
E. A spiral galaxy
Explanation
The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy. Spiral galaxies are characterized by their spiral arms, which contain young stars, gas, and dust. These arms rotate around a central bulge, which is made up of older stars. The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy, meaning it has a bar-shaped structure at its center. This structure is believed to play a role in the formation and evolution of spiral arms. The Milky Way is home to our solar system and countless other stars, making it a vast and complex system within the universe.
16.
Visible light cannot reach the center of the Milky Way, but we can see the center with
Correct Answer
C. Radio waves
Explanation
Radio waves can penetrate through dust and gas clouds, which are abundant in the center of the Milky Way, unlike visible light. Therefore, radio waves are able to reach and provide us with images of the center of the Milky Way.
17.
Einstien discovered
Correct Answer
D. That space and time is curved
Explanation
Einstein's theory of general relativity revolutionized our understanding of gravity by proposing that the presence of mass and energy curves the fabric of space and time. This means that objects with mass, like planets or stars, create a curvature in spacetime, causing other objects to move along curved paths. The theory explains various phenomena, such as the bending of light around massive objects and the gravitational waves observed from merging black holes. Therefore, the statement "that space and time is curved" accurately describes one of Einstein's significant discoveries.
18.
Newton discovered
Correct Answer
A. That gravity is universal, it works the same everywhere.
Explanation
Newton's discovery that gravity is universal and works the same everywhere is based on his law of universal gravitation. According to this law, every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that gravity not only affects objects on Earth, but also extends to all celestial bodies and throughout the universe. Newton's discovery revolutionized our understanding of gravity and laid the foundation for modern physics.
19.
Hubble discovered
Correct Answer
C. That all the galaxies are moving away from each other
Explanation
Hubble's discovery that all the galaxies are moving away from each other is based on his observation of the redshift in the light emitted by galaxies. He noticed that the light from distant galaxies appeared to be shifted towards longer wavelengths, indicating that they were moving away from us. This observation led to the conclusion that the universe is expanding, with all galaxies moving away from each other. This discovery provided strong evidence for the Big Bang theory and revolutionized our understanding of the universe's evolution.
20.
Copernicus discovered
Correct Answer
B. That the sun is at the center of solar system
Explanation
Copernicus discovered that the sun is at the center of the solar system. This was a significant finding as it challenged the prevailing belief at the time that the Earth was at the center. Copernicus' heliocentric model proposed that the planets, including Earth, revolve around the sun, which revolutionized our understanding of the solar system. This discovery laid the foundation for modern astronomy and had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe.
21.
The color of a star depends on
Correct Answer
E. Its temperature
Explanation
The color of a star depends on its temperature. This is because the temperature of a star determines the amount of energy it emits and the wavelengths of light it produces. A hotter star emits more energy and appears bluer, while a cooler star emits less energy and appears redder. Therefore, the temperature of a star is directly related to its color.
22.
Our solar system is
Correct Answer
A. Inside the milky way
Explanation
Our solar system is located inside the Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy that contains billions of stars, including our sun. Our solar system is just one small part of the vast expanse of the Milky Way, which stretches across approximately 100,000 light-years. Inside the Milky Way, there are numerous other stars, planets, and celestial objects, making it a bustling and diverse cosmic neighborhood.
23.
The inner four planets of the solar system are
Correct Answer
A. Terrestrial planets
Explanation
The correct answer is terrestrial planets. The inner four planets of the solar system, namely Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, are known as terrestrial planets. These planets are primarily composed of rock and metal, and they have solid surfaces. Unlike gas planets, they have a relatively low mass and do not have a significant atmosphere. Comets are icy bodies that orbit the Sun, and asteroid planets do not exist as a distinct category. "The largest planets" is not an accurate description for the inner four planets.
24.
The outer four planets in the solar system are
Correct Answer
B. Gas planets
Explanation
The correct answer is gas planets because the outer four planets in the solar system, namely Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are primarily composed of gases such as hydrogen and helium. These planets have thick atmospheres and lack a solid surface, making them distinct from terrestrial planets like Earth and Mars. Additionally, gas planets are known for their large size compared to other planets in the solar system.
25.
Pluto is not a planet because
Correct Answer
C. It has not cleared the neighborhood of its orbit
Explanation
Pluto is not considered a planet because it has not cleared the neighborhood of its orbit. This means that there are other objects in Pluto's orbit that are of similar size or larger. According to the definition set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a planet must be the dominant gravitational body in its orbit and must have cleared its orbit of any other debris. Since Pluto shares its orbit with other objects in the Kuiper Belt, it does not meet this criterion and is therefore classified as a dwarf planet.
26.
Mercury
Correct Answer
E. Is a small rocky planet covered with craters
27.
Mars
Correct Answer
D. Has the largest mountain in the solar system
Explanation
Mars has the largest mountain in the solar system. This implies that among all the planets, Mars has a mountain that is the biggest in terms of size or height.
28.
Jupiter
Correct Answer
A. The largest planet in the solar system
29.
Saturn
Correct Answer
B. Is a huge gas planet with beautiful rings
30.
Venus
Correct Answer
C. Is the hottest planet in the solar system
31.
The planet with the lowest density is
Correct Answer
E. Saturn
Explanation
Saturn is the planet with the lowest density. This is because Saturn is mostly composed of hydrogen and helium, which are both very light elements. The low density of Saturn allows it to float in water, if there were a large enough body of water to hold it. The other planets listed have higher densities due to their composition and size.
32.
The furthest planet from the sun is
Correct Answer
C. Neptune
Explanation
Neptune is the furthest planet from the sun. It is located in the outer regions of our solar system, beyond Uranus. Although Pluto was considered the ninth planet in the past, it has since been reclassified as a "dwarf planet." Earth is the third planet from the sun, making it closer to the sun compared to Neptune. Saturn is also closer to the sun than Neptune, making it an incorrect answer. Therefore, Neptune is the correct answer as it is the furthest planet from the sun.
33.
The planet with the highest density is
Correct Answer
E. Earth
Explanation
Earth has the highest density among the given options. Density is defined as the mass of an object divided by its volume. Earth's high density can be attributed to its composition, which consists of a dense core made up of iron and nickel, surrounded by less dense layers of rock and gas. This high density gives Earth its strong gravitational pull and allows it to retain its atmosphere. In comparison, the other planets listed have lower densities due to their different compositions and structures.
34.
The sun and planets were formed from
Correct Answer
A. A huge cloud of gas and dust
Explanation
The correct answer is a huge cloud of gas and dust. This explanation is based on the widely accepted scientific theory of the formation of the solar system known as the nebular hypothesis. According to this theory, about 4.6 billion years ago, a massive cloud of gas and dust called the solar nebula collapsed under its own gravity. As it collapsed, it began to spin and flatten into a spinning disk. The central part of the disk became the Sun, while the material in the outer part of the disk came together to form the planets, moons, and other objects in the solar system.
35.
The earth has a core made of
Correct Answer
D. Iron and nickel
Explanation
The earth has a core made of iron and nickel. This is supported by scientific evidence and theories such as the composition of meteorites, seismic waves, and the earth's magnetic field. The iron-nickel core is believed to be responsible for generating the earth's magnetic field and plays a crucial role in the planet's internal dynamics.
36.
The spinning earth's core
Correct Answer
B. Creates a magnetic field
Explanation
The spinning earth's core creates a magnetic field. The Earth's core is made up of molten iron and nickel, and its rotation generates electrical currents. These electric currents create a magnetic field around the Earth, which extends into space and is responsible for protecting the planet from harmful solar radiation. The magnetic field also plays a crucial role in navigation for many species, including migratory birds and sea turtles, as it helps them to navigate and orient themselves.
37.
Above the core is
Correct Answer
A. The mantle
Explanation
The mantle is located above the core. It is the layer of the Earth that lies between the core and the crust. The mantle is made up of solid rock and is the thickest layer of the Earth. It is divided into two parts: the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The upper mantle is solid but can flow like a plastic over long periods of time, while the lower mantle is more rigid. The mantle plays a crucial role in the movement of tectonic plates and the convection of heat within the Earth.
38.
The oldest fossils date back to
Correct Answer
E. 3.7 billion years ago
Explanation
The correct answer is 3.7 billion years ago. This is because fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, and the oldest known fossils are around 3.7 billion years old. These fossils provide evidence of early life forms on Earth and help scientists understand the history and evolution of life on our planet.
39.
The earth formed
Correct Answer
B. 4.5 billion years ago
Explanation
The correct answer is 4.5 billion years ago. This is because scientific evidence suggests that the Earth formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago through the process of accretion, where dust and gas in the early solar system came together to form the planet. This age is determined through various dating methods, including radiometric dating of rocks and minerals found on Earth.
40.
Earth's early atmosphere did not contain any
Correct Answer
C. Oxygen
Explanation
During Earth's early formation, the atmosphere did not contain any oxygen. This is because oxygen was primarily produced by photosynthetic organisms, which did not exist at that time. The early atmosphere was composed mainly of gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water vapor, and small amounts of methane and ammonia. Oxygen began to accumulate in the atmosphere only after the emergence and proliferation of oxygen-producing organisms, such as cyanobacteria, through the process of photosynthesis.
41.
Cyanobacteria converted carbon dioxide and sunlight into
Correct Answer
A. Oxygen
Explanation
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms that use sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. They contain pigments called chlorophyll which capture energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy. This energy is then used to split water molecules, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Therefore, the correct answer is oxygen.
42.
The first life forms lived in the oceans and were
Correct Answer
E. Single celled organisms
Explanation
The first life forms that existed on Earth were single-celled organisms. These organisms, known as cyanobacteria, were able to survive and thrive in the oceans. They played a crucial role in shaping the early Earth's atmosphere by producing oxygen through photosynthesis. Over time, more complex life forms such as fish and mammals evolved from these single-celled organisms. Therefore, the correct answer is single-celled organisms.