Space Basics
Which object gives off its own light?
Sun
What is Earth’s rotation?
Earth spinning on its axis
Which object reflects light: the Sun or the Moon?
The Moon
Which is a renewable energy source: coal or wind?
Wind
What technology helps scientists study Earth from space?
Satellites
What is a natural satellite?
A moon that orbits a planet
What is Earth’s revolution?
Earth orbiting around the Sun
What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is the amount of matter and stays the same; weight is affected by gravity and can change
What type of energy is stored energy?
Potential energy
What is one way energy is used in your everyday life?
Answers may vary (e.g., turning on lights, charging devices, cooking food)
What causes day and night on Earth?
Earth rotating on its axis
How long does one Earth rotation take?
24 hours (1 day)
What does it mean if an object is luminous?
It gives off its own light
What is a non-renewable resource? Give one example.
A resource that cannot be replaced quickly; example: coal (or oil, natural gas)
What happens to the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned?
Greenhouse gases are added to the atmosphere
What causes the phases of the Moon?
The Moon moves around Earth, and we see different parts lit by the Sun
How long does one Earth revolution take?
365 days (1 year)
What does it mean if an object is non-luminous?
It does not make its own light and reflects light
What does the law of conservation of energy state?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed from one form to another
Name one positive AND one negative impact of space exploration.
Positive: new technology, communication, learning about space
Negative: space junk, high cost, environmental impact
Explain why astronauts float in space.
They are in freefall around Earth, which makes them feel weightless
Explain the difference between rotation and revolution AND what each causes
Rotation is Earth spinning on its axis and causes day and night. Revolution is Earth orbiting the Sun and (with tilt) causes the seasons.
Explain how gravity affects weight and give an example.
Gravity pulls objects down, so more gravity means more weight. For example, you would weigh less on the Moon than on Earth.
Explain what happens to energy in a flashlight when it is turned on.
Chemical energy in the battery changes into electrical energy, which then becomes light and heat energy
Give THREE ways a family could reduce energy use at home and explain why they help.
Answers may vary (e.g., turn off lights to save electricity, use energy-efficient bulbs to reduce energy use, unplug devices to stop wasted energy)