1301-homework-1
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San Antonio College *
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Course
1301
Subject
Astronomy
Date
May 2, 2024
Type
docx
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3
Uploaded by LieutenantBeaver2817
Homework Exercise 1
For written answers, use complete sentences.
1. Explain the current theory and evidence concerning the origin and evolution of the Universe. Divide your answer into two parts:
a. In sequence, list five major steps in the evolution of the Universe. (10 pts.)
1) The first major step in the evolution of the Universe is the Big Bang Theory.
2) The second step is the formation of Hydrogen (H) and Helium (He), the very first
elements. 3) The third step is the formation of stars, nuclear fusion reactions, and the creation of new elements up to Iron (Fe). 4) The fourth step is that the elements that are higher than Iron (Fe) were discovered
by supernovae explosions.
5) The last step in the evolution of the Universe is the formation of galaxies caused by having gravity gathering a group of stars. b. Supporting evidence. 1) Describe the Doppler Effect. (3 pts.)
The Doppler Effect is the wavelength frequency determining the color shift for the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The Doppler Effect also determines the color shift based off if the wavelength is lengthened or shortened. 2) Sketch the electromagnetic spectrum. Do not copy and paste an image
. (3 pts.)
3) Relative to Earth, what is observed for the light reaching Earth from distant galaxies? What three conclusions can be drawn from this observation? How does
the weak microwave background radiation fit in this scenario? (8 pts.)
Distant galaxy A has a slight red shift meaning that it is moving away from Earth. Distant galaxy B has a higher red shift than galaxy A meaning it is father away from Earth. The distant galaxies are moving away from Earth with velocity increasing with distance causing the “light” that is emitted to shift to the weak microwave background radiation in the Electromagnetic Spectrum.
2. Explain the current theory and evidence concerning the origin and evolution of the Solar System. Divide your answer into two parts:
a. List four major steps in the evolution of the Solar System. (8 pts.)
1) The first major step in the evolution of the Solar System is gravitational contraction of a cloud of gas (primarily H and He) and dust. 2) The second step is the formation of a rotating nebula.
3) The third step is the “ignition” of the Sun-nuclear fusion on H nuclei to form He nuclei. 4) The last step in the evolution of the Solar System is the formation of planets by gravitation accumulation of material in the outer nebula.
b. List three lines of supporting evidence. (6 pts)
1) The first piece of evidence that supports the solar nebular theory is all the planets
orbit in the ecliptic plane. 2) The second piece of evidence is, except for Uranus, all the planet’s rotational axes are at a high angle to the ecliptic plane. 3) The last piece of evidence is that all the planets orbit in the same direction. 3. Starting with the Sun, sketch (
Do not copy and paste an image
) and label the relative
positions and sizes of the eight major planets and the asteroid belt. Divide the sketch into terrestrial and Jovian planets. (10 pts.)
Why is Pluto not included in this Sketch? (2 pts.)
Pluto orbits the sun at a tilted angle as well as not being in the solar system due to its small size and mass. 4. What processes led to the division of the Solar System into terrestrial and Jovian planets? (4 pts.) The process that led to the division of the Solar System into terrestrial and Jovian planets depends on the temperature of the planet and the solar wind. Terrestrial planets are classified on hotter and stronger solar winds. Jovian planets are classified on colder and weaker solar winds. 5. Among the terrestrial planets, Venus and Earth still have relatively thick atmospheres, what physical geologic process continuously adds gases to the atmospheres of these planets? How does the atmospheric composition of these two planets differ? What biologic process makes Earth’s atmosphere different. (4 pts.)
Because Venus is located closer to the Sun it gathers more of the solar wind whilst Earth is a further distance away. Venus’s atmospheric composition is made of primarily carbon dioxide (CO
2
). Earth also consists of a large body of water and land that grows living plants that use photosynthesis to make the atmospheric composition primarily nitrogen (N
2
) and oxygen (O
2
).
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