Formation of the Solar System
What is the name of the theory that describes the formation of the universe?
The Big Bang Theory
According to Kepler’s 3rd Law, which planet takes the longest to orbit the Sun?
Jupiter
What is the layer of Earth where convection currents occur, driving plate motion?
The mantle
Which type of crust is thicker, oceanic or continental?
Continental crust
Which two forces were most important in forming both the solar system and driving plate tectonics?
Gravity and heat energy
What is the name of the large cloud of gas and dust from which the solar system formed?
The Solar Nebula
Why do we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth?
The Moon rotates once for each orbit around Earth
Why do tectonic plates float on the asthenosphere?
The asthenosphere is partially molten
What is the primary rock type found in continental crust?
Granite
How are the Moon's gravitational pull and Earth's interior heat both responsible for major surface changes on Earth?
Tides (from Moon) and tectonics (from heat) shape coastlines and landforms
After the Sun formed, what happened with the disk of dust and gas?
Formed into planets
What causes tides on Earth?
The gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun
What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?
Matching fossils, rock types, and puzzle-like continents
How do tectonic plate interactions influence the shape of Earth's surface?
They form mountains, valleys, trenches, and ridges
What do Earth's tectonic plates and the protoplanetary disk that formed the solar system have in common?
Both move due to uneven distribution of energy and matter
What caused the center of the cloud to contract and heat up and form the Sun?
Gravity
Why are neap tides weaker than spring tides?
The Sun and Moon pull at right angles, reducing tidal range
What is the source of energy for high temperatures deep within the Earth?
Decay of radioactive materials
What is isostasy, and how does it affect Earth's crust?
It’s the balance of Earth's crust floating on the mantle; affects elevation
Why might scientists studying the Moon also study Earth's tectonic activity?
Both involve internal processes, impact craters, and surface evolution over time
How does the movement of energy through the Sun’s interior influence EM radiation reaching Earth?
Energy moves through convective & radiative zones, altering wavelength
How long does it take the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases (from new moon to new moon)?
About 29.5 days
What happens to Earth's lithosphere at a convergent boundary between oceanic and continental crust?
Oceanic crust subducts beneath the continental crust
How can erosion influence topography over time?
It wears down landforms and transports sediment
How are the Sun's energy, Moon’s phases, and mantle convection all connected to observable Earth phenomena?
They drive weather (Sun), tides (Moon), and landform changes (convection)