Gravity
How are mass and gravity related?
The greater the mass of an object, the stronger its gravitational pull.
How do scientists estimate the age of the solar system?
By dating the oldest meteorites, which formed around 4.6 billion years ago. They use radiometric dating of isotopes, such as uranium-lead dating.
Why is Earth’s atmosphere cooler than Venus’s?
Venus has a much thicker atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide, which creates an extreme greenhouse effect, trapping heat and making the planet much hotter than Earth.
What is the main factor that causes Earth’s seasons?
Earth's seasons are caused by its axial tilt.
How would Isaac Newton explain gravity?
Newton described gravity as a force of attraction between two masses.
What is the name of a planetary body that has not yet fully formed into a planet?
A protoplanet - a developing planetary body that has accumulated mass but has not yet become a fully developed planet.
How did Earth’s atmosphere originally form?
Earth's early atmosphere came from volcanic gases like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen. Later, photosynthesis added oxygen.
How does Earth's axial tilt explain why it's beach and grilling weather in Australia during December?
In December, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun. So this is Australia's summer. ThRoW a pRawN oN tHe BarBie mAtE.
According to Einstein, what causes gravity?
Einstein explained that gravity is caused by the warping of spacetime due to the presence of massive objects.
Why is gravity important in the formation of solar systems?
Gravity pulls together gas and dust within a nebula. It also drives the accretion of smaller particles into protoplanets and eventually planets.
What are three of the five key factors that make a planet habitable?
- Energy - Water - Temperature - Nutrients - Atmosphere -
How do the differences in daylight throughout the year change as you move closer to the equator?
As you approach the equator, the variation in daylight hours throughout the year becomes less noticeable.
How does the gravitational force between two objects change as they move farther apart?
The gravitational force decreases with the distance between them.
What is the next stage after a nebula in the process of forming a solar system?
After the nebula begins to collapse, it forms a protostar. There planets and other celestial bodies start to form.
What evidence supports the theory that the Moon was formed from a giant impact?
The Moon’s composition is similar to Earth’s mantle.
How would Earth's climate be impacted if there were no axial tilt?
There would be no seasons.
How did the 1919 solar eclipse provide evidence for Einstein’s theory of relativity?
During the eclipse, astronomers observed that the Sun's gravity bent the light from distant stars. This confirmed that massive objects warp spacetime.
What evidence do we have for the formation of protoplanets in the early solar system?
Scientists observe young stars and study meteorites to understand how planets form. Data from asteroids like Vesta show signs of differentiation, meaning they were once molten protoplanets.
Astronomers discover an exoplanet which orbits in the habitable zone of its star. It has an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Could this planet potentially support life? Why or why not?
Being in the habitable zone of its star, suggests it might be in a temperature range where liquid water could exist. The presence an atmosphere with carbon dioxide and nitrogen is promising, as these are essential ingredients for life as we know it.
Why do regions near the poles, such as Alaska, experience continuous daylight or darkness for extended periods?
Due to Earth’s tilt, the poles are either tilted toward or away from the Sun. This results in polar regions experiencing months of continuous daylight in summer and months of darkness in winter.