1.
The universe is theorized to be how many billions of years old?
Correct Answer
A. 13.8
Explanation
The correct answer is 13.8. This is the estimated age of the universe according to current scientific theories and observations. Scientists have used various methods, such as studying the cosmic microwave background radiation and the expansion rate of the universe, to arrive at this estimation. The age of 13.8 billion years is considered the best estimate based on the available evidence and is widely accepted in the scientific community.
2.
This scientist discovered redshift and determined that stars and galaxies were moving away from us, leading them to conclude that the universe was expanding. (hint: there is a big telescope named after them)
Correct Answer
A. Edwin Hubble
Explanation
Edwin Hubble is the correct answer because he discovered redshift and determined that stars and galaxies were moving away from us. This observation led him to conclude that the universe was expanding. Hubble's discovery revolutionized our understanding of the universe and provided evidence for the Big Bang theory. Additionally, there is a big telescope named after him, the Hubble Space Telescope, which has further contributed to our knowledge of the cosmos.
3.
When the universe first formed, it was smaller than an atom.
Correct Answer
A. TRUE
Explanation
During the Big Bang, the universe started as a singularity, an extremely hot and dense point smaller than an atom. It rapidly expanded and cooled down, eventually giving rise to the universe as we know it today. This theory is supported by various pieces of evidence, such as the observed expansion of the universe and the cosmic microwave background radiation. Therefore, it is correct to say that when the universe first formed, it was indeed smaller than an atom.
4.
The universe started out extremely hot. So hot, in fact, that light and matter both did not exist.
Correct Answer
A. TRUE
Explanation
During the early stages of the universe, known as the Big Bang, the temperature was incredibly high. It was so hot that matter could not form, and even light could not exist. This is supported by scientific theories and evidence, such as the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is remnants of the hot early universe. Therefore, it is true that the universe started out extremely hot, without the presence of light and matter.
5.
Cosmic background radiation is...
Correct Answer
A. Leftover energy from the Big Bang
Explanation
Cosmic background radiation refers to the faint radiation that is present throughout the universe. It is considered as leftover energy from the Big Bang, which is the event that is believed to have initiated the expansion of the universe. This radiation is a remnant of the intense heat and energy that was present during the early stages of the universe. The discovery of cosmic background radiation in 1965 by Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson provided strong evidence for the Big Bang theory and has since been studied extensively to gain insights into the early universe.
6.
Light travels as a...
Correct Answer
A. Wave
Explanation
Light travels as a wave because it exhibits properties such as diffraction, interference, and polarization, which are characteristic of wave behavior. Additionally, light can be described by wave equations, such as the wave equation of electromagnetic waves. These waves have properties like wavelength and frequency, which further support the wave nature of light. The wave model of light also explains phenomena such as refraction and reflection. Therefore, considering all these characteristics and behaviors, it is reasonable to conclude that light travels as a wave.
7.
The first particles of matter did not exist until the universe started...
Correct Answer
A. Cooling down
Explanation
As the question suggests, the first particles of matter came into existence when the universe started cooling down. This implies that initially, the universe was extremely hot and as it cooled down, the conditions became favorable for the formation of particles. This aligns with the Big Bang theory, which states that the universe began with a hot and dense state and has been expanding and cooling ever since. Therefore, the correct answer is cooling down.
8.
When an object is moving TOWARD the observe, it is said to be in:
Correct Answer
A. Blueshift
Explanation
When an object is moving towards the observer, the observed wavelength of light from the object becomes shorter. This phenomenon is known as blueshift. It occurs because the motion of the object compresses the waves, causing an increase in frequency and a shift towards the blue end of the spectrum. This effect is commonly observed in astronomy, where the blueshift of light from distant galaxies indicates that they are moving towards us.
9.
A police car speeds past you and you hear the pitch of the siren get louder as the car moves toward you and then quieter right as it drives by. This is an example of:
Correct Answer
A. The Doppler Effect
Explanation
The explanation for the correct answer is that the described scenario is a classic example of the Doppler Effect. The Doppler Effect refers to the change in frequency or pitch of a sound wave (in this case, the siren) due to the relative motion between the source of the wave (the police car) and the observer (you). As the car approaches, the sound waves are compressed, resulting in a higher frequency and a higher pitch. As the car moves away, the sound waves are stretched, resulting in a lower frequency and a lower pitch. This change in pitch is what causes the siren to sound louder and then quieter.
10.
The Big Bang was an explosion, not an expansion
Correct Answer
B. FALSE
Explanation
The statement suggests that the Big Bang was an explosion rather than an expansion. However, the correct understanding is that the Big Bang was an expansion of space itself. According to the Big Bang theory, the universe started as an extremely hot and dense point and has been expanding ever since. The term "Big Bang" is often misunderstood as a literal explosion, but it actually refers to the rapid expansion of space and the subsequent development of the universe. Therefore, the correct answer is FALSE.
11.
The lightest elements that were created first, right after the Big Bang, were...
Correct Answer
A. Hydrogen and Helium
Explanation
After the Big Bang, the universe was primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. These two elements were the first to be created as a result of the extreme heat and pressure during the early stages of the universe's formation. Other elements like sodium, iron, and neon were formed later through processes like stellar nucleosynthesis. However, hydrogen and helium were the lightest elements and thus formed first.
12.
Which galaxy is moving TOWARD "a nearby star"?
Correct Answer
A. Andromeda
Explanation
Andromeda is the correct answer because it is the only galaxy mentioned in the options. The question states that the galaxy is moving toward a nearby star, and since Andromeda is the only galaxy listed, it must be the one moving toward the nearby star.
13.
Compared to "a nearby star," is the Bear Galaxy is REDSHIFT or BLUESHIFT?
Correct Answer
A. Redshift
Explanation
The Bear Galaxy is redshifted compared to a nearby star. Redshift refers to the phenomenon where light from an object appears to be shifted towards longer wavelengths, indicating that the object is moving away from the observer. In this case, the redshift suggests that the Bear Galaxy is moving away from the nearby star.
14.
Based on this image of the spectra for Star #4, which elements are contributing to its composition? (hint: find the best matches for the dark lines between Star #4 and each element)
Correct Answer
A. Hydrogen, calcium, sodium
Explanation
The correct answer is Hydrogen, calcium, sodium. This can be determined by analyzing the dark lines in the spectra of Star #4 and comparing them to the known spectra of different elements. By finding the best matches for the dark lines, it is concluded that hydrogen, calcium, and sodium are the elements contributing to the composition of Star #4.
15.
There has been a lot of evidence for the Big Bang over the years. Select ALL the pieces of evidence from the list below that have been used to support the Big Bang Theory.
Correct Answer(s)
A. When the light from quasars reaches Earth, it is stretched into a long, bent stream of light
B. The stars in the night sky are far apart with black empty space between them
C. Hydrogen and Helium, the first elements created by the Big Bang, are the most abundant in the universe
D. Several galaxies and stars are shown to have a redshift, meaning they are moving away from us
E. Cosmic background radiation can be detected everywhere in the universe in the exact same amount
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that these pieces of evidence have been used to support the Big Bang Theory. When the light from quasars reaches Earth, it is stretched into a long, bent stream of light, which is consistent with the expansion of the universe predicted by the Big Bang. The stars in the night sky being far apart with black empty space between them also supports the idea of an expanding universe. The abundance of Hydrogen and Helium, the first elements created by the Big Bang, is consistent with the predictions of the theory. The redshift observed in several galaxies and stars indicates that they are moving away from us, supporting the idea of an expanding universe. The detection of cosmic background radiation in the same amount everywhere in the universe is also consistent with the predictions of the Big Bang Theory.