PHY1000
Intro to Astronomy
LATEST EXAM w/ RATIONALES
2024
,PART A:
1. What is the difference between a star and a planet?
a) A star is a luminous sphere of plasma, while a planet is
a solid or gaseous body that orbits a star.
b) A star is a massive object that produces its own light,
while a planet is a smaller object that reflects light from a
star.
c) A star is a hot ball of gas that undergoes nuclear fusion,
while a planet is a cold ball of rock or ice that does not.
d) All of the above are correct. *
Rationale: A star is different from a planet in terms of its
size, luminosity, composition and energy source.
2. What is the main reason why seasons occur on Earth?
a) The distance between Earth and the Sun changes
throughout the year.
b) The tilt of Earth's axis causes different parts of Earth to
receive more or less sunlight throughout the year. *
c) The rotation of Earth around its axis causes day and
night cycles that affect the temperature.
d) The gravitational pull of the Moon and other planets
causes changes in Earth's climate.
Rationale: Seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis,
which makes the angle of sunlight vary depending on the
location and time of year. The distance between Earth and
the Sun has a negligible effect on seasons.
, 3. What is the difference between a lunar eclipse and a
solar eclipse?
a) A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes behind
Earth's shadow, while a solar eclipse occurs when the
Moon passes in front of the Sun. *
b) A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in front
of Earth's shadow, while a solar eclipse occurs when the
Moon passes behind the Sun.
c) A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun passes behind
Earth's shadow, while a solar eclipse occurs when the Sun
passes in front of the Moon.
d) A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun passes in front of
Earth's shadow, while a solar eclipse occurs when the Sun
passes behind the Moon.
Rationale: A lunar eclipse happens when Earth blocks
some or all of the sunlight from reaching the Moon,
making it appear dark or reddish. A solar eclipse happens
when the Moon blocks some or all of the sunlight from
reaching Earth, making it appear dark or crescent-shaped.
4. What is the difference between an asteroid and a
comet?
a) An asteroid is a rocky or metallic object that orbits the
Sun, while a comet is an icy object that orbits the Sun. *
b) An asteroid is an icy object that orbits the Sun, while a
comet is a rocky or metallic object that orbits the Sun.
c) An asteroid is a small planet that orbits the Sun, while a
comet is a tail of dust and gas that follows an orbiting
object.
Intro to Astronomy
LATEST EXAM w/ RATIONALES
2024
,PART A:
1. What is the difference between a star and a planet?
a) A star is a luminous sphere of plasma, while a planet is
a solid or gaseous body that orbits a star.
b) A star is a massive object that produces its own light,
while a planet is a smaller object that reflects light from a
star.
c) A star is a hot ball of gas that undergoes nuclear fusion,
while a planet is a cold ball of rock or ice that does not.
d) All of the above are correct. *
Rationale: A star is different from a planet in terms of its
size, luminosity, composition and energy source.
2. What is the main reason why seasons occur on Earth?
a) The distance between Earth and the Sun changes
throughout the year.
b) The tilt of Earth's axis causes different parts of Earth to
receive more or less sunlight throughout the year. *
c) The rotation of Earth around its axis causes day and
night cycles that affect the temperature.
d) The gravitational pull of the Moon and other planets
causes changes in Earth's climate.
Rationale: Seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis,
which makes the angle of sunlight vary depending on the
location and time of year. The distance between Earth and
the Sun has a negligible effect on seasons.
, 3. What is the difference between a lunar eclipse and a
solar eclipse?
a) A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes behind
Earth's shadow, while a solar eclipse occurs when the
Moon passes in front of the Sun. *
b) A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in front
of Earth's shadow, while a solar eclipse occurs when the
Moon passes behind the Sun.
c) A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun passes behind
Earth's shadow, while a solar eclipse occurs when the Sun
passes in front of the Moon.
d) A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun passes in front of
Earth's shadow, while a solar eclipse occurs when the Sun
passes behind the Moon.
Rationale: A lunar eclipse happens when Earth blocks
some or all of the sunlight from reaching the Moon,
making it appear dark or reddish. A solar eclipse happens
when the Moon blocks some or all of the sunlight from
reaching Earth, making it appear dark or crescent-shaped.
4. What is the difference between an asteroid and a
comet?
a) An asteroid is a rocky or metallic object that orbits the
Sun, while a comet is an icy object that orbits the Sun. *
b) An asteroid is an icy object that orbits the Sun, while a
comet is a rocky or metallic object that orbits the Sun.
c) An asteroid is a small planet that orbits the Sun, while a
comet is a tail of dust and gas that follows an orbiting
object.
