Download Study Guide for Stars and the Universe Test

Name: ________________________________ Period: _____ Date: _______________
Earth and Space Science Course 320
Study Guide for Stars and the Universe Test
Section 1: Light and Telescopes
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How to describe the waves that compose the electromagnetic spectrum
How energy relates to wavelength
The three types of spectra
How spectra are used in astronomy
How to explain the Doppler effect is applied to the motion of stars in relation to Earth
The wavelength shifts (blue and red) and what they indicate
The types of telescopes
The three useful properties of optical telescopes
Section 2: Properties of Stars and the H-R Diagram
Know:
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The definition of star
The source of energy that generates light
How astronomers determine the distance to stars
How a star’s color relates to temperature
The order of the spectral classes of stars (O, B, etc.)
What determines the brightness (magnitude) of a star.
The difference between absolute magnitude, and apparent magnitude
The rule for numbers that determine the brightness of stars
How to interpret the H-R diagram. This includes comparing the characteristics of main sequence
stars, giants, super giants, and white dwarfs
Section 3: Stellar Evolution (Life Cycle of Stars)
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The material from which stars form
The difference between a protostar and a true star
The type of fusion that dominates a main sequence star
The steps involved in the life cycle of a medium and a high mass star
The stellar evolution of the Sun
The definition of supernova, black hole, and neutron star
Section 4: The Universe
Know:
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The definition of a galaxy
The three types of galaxies
The characteristics of the Milky Way
The big bang theory and the evidence that supports it
The definition of dark matter and dark energy
Key Terms
absolute magnitude
absorption spectrum
apparent magnitude
big bang theory
binary star system
black hole
blue shift
continuous spectrum
cosmic background radiation
dark energy
dark matter
Doppler effect
electromagnetic radiation
electromagnetic spectrum
emission spectrum
galaxy
H-R diagram
Hubble’s Law
light year
magnitude
main sequence star
nebula
neutron star
nuclear fusion
optical telescope
parallax
parsec
photon
planetary nebula
protostar
radio telescope
red giant star
red shift
reflecting telescope
refracting telescope
spectral class
spectroscope
star
supernova
telescope
wavelength
white dwarf
Extra Credit Questions for the Stars and the Universe Test
1. What types of radiation make up the electromagnetic spectrum?
2. Define the three types of spectra.
3. How do scientists determine the elements present in a star.
4. How can scientists determine whether a star is moving toward or away from Earth?
5. How does a reflecting telescope differ from a refracting telescope?
6. What happens during the process of nuclear fusion?
7. Why does the Sun shine (give off energy)?
8. Explain the difference between apparent and absolute magnitude.
9. What are the life cycle steps of a medium-sized star like the Sun?
10. How do galaxies differ?
11. How did the Universe begin?
12. What evidence indicates that the universe is expanding?