Download Chapter 1 – Nebular hypothesis, rotation vs

Study Guide Chapter on Earth Science Intro and Solar System 10-07-10
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Chapter 1 – Nebular hypothesis, rotation vs revolution, Earth’s spheres, interior, layers,
hypothesis vs. theory, earth as a system of interconnecting parts, sources of energy that
drive the earth system, human population growth and rate of growth
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Chapter on Solar System
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Supersize Earth article – 3 main points
Lab Activities – size and density in solar system
Relationships and Patterns in Solar System: Graphing exercises (jovian vs terrestrial
density, surface temperature, distance from Sun
Nebular Hypothesis Power Point
Scaled Models – relative size and distance (orders of magnitude). Memorize facts for Earth,
the Moon; closest and furthest distances. Know orders of magnitude relationships when
compared to the Earth. What’s an AU? Know location of asteroid belt, Kuiper Belt/Trans
Neptunian Objects, Oort Cloud (50-100K AU)
Article on impact of Moon’s size on Earth system – main points
Articles on new planet around Gliese; on Eris; on watching the night sky
Nebular Hypothesis with pictures and captions on website, in Listing Folder, Solar System
Class notes
Models of the solar system, on paper, to Pluto
Moon Project
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Compare the densities of the Jovian and terrestrial planets. Why do these differences exist?
What is orbital velocity? When is it faster, slower. Aphelion vs. perihelion. Relationship to seasonal
change on Earth (if any).
Why can the Jovian planets retain more gasses in their atmosphere?
What’s a nebula? What’s it made of?
What is a planetesimal? What does “coalesce” or “accrete” mean when describing planet
formation?
Compare Mercury in size to the moons in the solar system. Compare Pluto in size to the moons in
the solar system.
Understand the reason for surface temperature differences between the terrestrial planets.
Know key facts about each planet, outstanding characteristics, and a few facts about the biggest
moons. For example, which planet has the greatest temperature extremes of any planet and why?
Are any moons volcanically active? Do any moons have an atmosphere? Has a spacecraft ever
landed on an asteroid? What’s the difference between as asteroid and a comet?