Kepler's Laws
This law states that planets move around the Sun in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus
Kepler's first law/law of ellipses
When light from a galaxy is observed to be shifted toward longer wavelengths, we call that a __________.
Red Shift
True or False: The Big Bang theory describes the origin of the universe expanding from a state of very high density and temperature
True
Which planets in our solar system are classified as jovian (gas giant) planets? List them.
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
Define "climate change" in one simple sentence
Long-term changes in Earth’s average weather patterns due to heat being trapped in the atmosphere
This law states that objects in elliptical orbit "sweep" equal amounts of area in equal amounts of time regardless of where they are in the orbit
Kepler's second law
Which observation (red shift or blue shift) indicates an object is moving away from us?
Red shift
Name one key piece of observational evidence that supports the Big Bang theory.
Red shift and/or cosmic background radiation and/or 3:1 hydrogen: helium ratio
Which planets in our solar system are classified as terrestrial (rocky) planets? List them.
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars
Name one natural factor AND one human-caused factor that can change Earth’s climate.
Natural: Volcanic eruption
Human-caused: Burning fossil fuels
According to Kepler’s second law (equal areas in equal times), a planet moves fastest when it is at this point in its orbit.
Perihelion (closest to the sun)
Which observation (red shift or blue shift) indicates an object is moving towards us?
Blue shift
What is cosmic microwave background radiation and why is it important for the Big Bang theory?
CMB is faint microwave radiation uniformly detected from all directions; it is the cooled remnant of the hot early universe and supports the Big Bang.
Compare average density AND composition of jovian vs. terrestrial planets
Jovian planets are mostly gas with lower densities
Terrestrial planets are mostly rock/metal with higher densities
Explain the greenhouse effect AND name one greenhouse gas.
The greenhouse effect: greenhouse gases trap heat radiated from Earth, warming the planet; carbon dioxide is an example.
According to Kepler’s second law (equal areas in equal times), a planet moves slowest when it is at this point in its orbit.
Aphelion (furthest from the sun)
Explain briefly how measuring red shift supports the idea that the universe is expanding.
Red shift shows galaxies moving away from each other, indicating an expanding universe
Describe a model using everyday materials that can be used as an example of the Big Bang and expanding universe
Balloon with dots on it being inflated
This planet is the least dense of all the planets; in fact, it is so light and full of gas it could float in water.
Saturn
Describe a piece of evidence that shows Earth’s climate has warmed in recent decades.
Instrumental temperature records, melting of sea ice, higher sea level, coral bleaching, invasive species
Using Kepler’s third law, why is Mercury's orbital period shorter than that of Jupiter?
If two galaxies show different amounts of red shift, what can you infer about their relative speeds away from us?
The galaxy with the larger red shift is receding faster
How long ago did the Big Bang occur?
13.8 billion years
Explain how distance from the Sun influenced composition differences between terrestrial and jovian planets during solar system formation.
Higher density materials such as rock and metal of the terrestrial planets were easier for the sun's gravitational pull to "hold onto," while the low-density gases of the jovian planets were sent further out due to the sun's gravity not being able to hold onto them as well
Give two examples of human actions that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Reduce fossil fuel use (switch to renewable energy), increase energy efficiency (improve building insulation, public transit).