1.
What is a black hole?
2.
The sun never burns out.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The sun will burn out in 5 billion years. So don't worry, that's a long time away.
3.
Which planet is hotter?
Correct Answer
B. Venus
Explanation
Venus is hotter than Mercury. This is because Venus has a thick atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, which creates a greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect traps heat from the Sun, causing Venus to have a surface temperature of about 900 degrees Fahrenheit (475 degrees Celsius). On the other hand, Mercury has a thin atmosphere and is much closer to the Sun, but its lack of atmosphere means that it cannot retain heat as effectively. Therefore, Venus is the hotter planet.
4.
We are made out of the stuff that stars are made out of.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement is true because the elements that make up our bodies, such as carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, were formed in the cores of stars through nuclear fusion. These elements were then released into the universe when the stars exploded in supernovae. Over time, these elements came together to form planets, including Earth, and eventually life as we know it. Therefore, we can say that we are indeed made out of the same stuff that stars are made out of.
5.
What is a white dwarf?
Correct Answer
B. The remains of a burnt out star
Explanation
A white dwarf is the remains of a burnt out star. After a star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it undergoes a supernova explosion, shedding its outer layers and leaving behind a dense core. This core, composed mostly of carbon and oxygen, collapses under its own gravity and becomes a white dwarf. White dwarfs are incredibly dense, with a mass comparable to that of the Sun but compressed into a size similar to Earth. They are extremely hot and emit a faint white glow, hence the name "white dwarf."
6.
What use are the constellations?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Navigation
B. Landmarks to other constellations
C. All of the above
Explanation
Constellations are useful for navigation purposes because they provide a reference point for sailors, pilots, and explorers to determine their position and direction. They act as celestial landmarks, helping to guide people across the Earth's surface or through the vastness of space. Additionally, constellations can serve as landmarks to locate other constellations, aiding in celestial navigation. Therefore, the correct answer is that constellations are used for navigation, as landmarks to other constellations, and for all of the above purposes.
7.
The universe keeps expanding.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement "The universe keeps expanding" is true. This is supported by various scientific observations and evidence, such as the redshift of distant galaxies, the cosmic microwave background radiation, and the distribution of matter in the universe. These observations indicate that galaxies are moving away from each other and that the space between them is continuously expanding. This expansion of the universe is a fundamental concept in cosmology and is widely accepted by the scientific community.
8.
How fast does light travel?
Correct Answer
C. 299,792 km each second
Explanation
Light travels at a speed of 299,792 km each second. This is the correct answer because it is a well-established scientific fact that light travels at a constant speed in a vacuum. This speed, often referred to as the speed of light, is a fundamental constant in physics and has been measured and confirmed through various experiments. It is important to note that the speed of light may vary when passing through different mediums, but in a vacuum, it travels at approximately 299,792 km per second.