Astronomy 1010 Exam #2 Chapter 11 Questions and Answers Solved Correctly
As shown in this image of a moon beneath the rings, the rings are so thin that when they are oriented
edge-on to the observer, they seem to almost disappear. How could so many particles be forced into
such an orderly configuration?
Consider the case of a single particle within the rings that has a highly elliptical and/or highly inclined
orbit, such that its orbital shape is different from the other particles in the ring. What will likely happen
to that particle?
Choose one:
A. Nothing. It will continue to orbit around Saturn with its original orbit.
B. Its orbit is unstable, so it will crash into the planet.
C. Collisions with other particles and the gravitational force of the rings will gradually nudge it into a
more circular orbit within the flat plane of the rings.
D. It will bounce off another particle in the rings and gain enough energy to escape from Saturn. -
AnswersC. Collisions with other particles and the gravitational force of the rings will gradually nudge it
into a more circular orbit within the flat plane of the rings.
The Voyager spacecraft made close-up observations of Saturn's rings that seemed to have no
explanation. In particular, Saturn's F Ring appeared twisted, which apparently did not follow Newton's
law of gravity and the expected orderly orbits of particles through collisions and gravitational
interactions.
Given this observation, what is the most logical step in the scientific process?
Choose one:
A. In keeping with the laws of physics, further observations must be made to search for previously
undiscovered objects that might gravitationally influence the rings.
B. These apparent deviations from the laws of physics can be explained by the complexity and chaotic
nature of the universe.
C. The laws of physics used to describe orbits have been falsified by this evidence, and new hypotheses
must be made to replace them.
, D. The laws of physics used to describe orbits need to be modified to explain these new observations. -
AnswersA. In keeping with the laws of physics, further observations must be made to search for
previously undiscovered objects that might gravitationally influence the rings.
Because of its small size, Mercury has lost most of its internal heat from its formation and is nearly
geologically dead. Io is smaller than Mercury, but it is the most geologically active object in the Solar
System, with volcanic eruptions constantly repaving its surface. This image shows a couple of volcanic
eruptions as they happen.
Of the four large Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter, Io is the closest to the planet. Considering Io's size and
location in the Solar System, what is the most likely reason for Io's high level of geological activity?
Choose one:
A. Io's proximity to Jupiter provides a current source of internal heat.
B. Io must have more radioactive elements inside of it that provide a current source of internal heat.
C. Io's proximity to the Sun provides a current source of internal heat.
D. Io must be made of a substance that traps heat better, so it has still retained all of its initial internal h
- AnswersA. Io's proximity to Jupiter provides a current source of internal heat.
Io's noncircular orbit causes it to bulge toward Jupiter in different ways throughout its orbit, creating
friction in its interior that heats it to melting. Earth's Moon also has a noncircular orbit and experiences
differential gravitational tidal forces from the Earth. This figure shows the relative sizes of the major
moons in the Solar System.
Considering what you know of the formation of objects in the inner versus outer Solar System, and given
the information in the figure, which of these statements are factors in the Moon's lack of geological
activity compared to Io?
Choose one or more:
A. The Moon is made of material that has a higher melting point.
As shown in this image of a moon beneath the rings, the rings are so thin that when they are oriented
edge-on to the observer, they seem to almost disappear. How could so many particles be forced into
such an orderly configuration?
Consider the case of a single particle within the rings that has a highly elliptical and/or highly inclined
orbit, such that its orbital shape is different from the other particles in the ring. What will likely happen
to that particle?
Choose one:
A. Nothing. It will continue to orbit around Saturn with its original orbit.
B. Its orbit is unstable, so it will crash into the planet.
C. Collisions with other particles and the gravitational force of the rings will gradually nudge it into a
more circular orbit within the flat plane of the rings.
D. It will bounce off another particle in the rings and gain enough energy to escape from Saturn. -
AnswersC. Collisions with other particles and the gravitational force of the rings will gradually nudge it
into a more circular orbit within the flat plane of the rings.
The Voyager spacecraft made close-up observations of Saturn's rings that seemed to have no
explanation. In particular, Saturn's F Ring appeared twisted, which apparently did not follow Newton's
law of gravity and the expected orderly orbits of particles through collisions and gravitational
interactions.
Given this observation, what is the most logical step in the scientific process?
Choose one:
A. In keeping with the laws of physics, further observations must be made to search for previously
undiscovered objects that might gravitationally influence the rings.
B. These apparent deviations from the laws of physics can be explained by the complexity and chaotic
nature of the universe.
C. The laws of physics used to describe orbits have been falsified by this evidence, and new hypotheses
must be made to replace them.
, D. The laws of physics used to describe orbits need to be modified to explain these new observations. -
AnswersA. In keeping with the laws of physics, further observations must be made to search for
previously undiscovered objects that might gravitationally influence the rings.
Because of its small size, Mercury has lost most of its internal heat from its formation and is nearly
geologically dead. Io is smaller than Mercury, but it is the most geologically active object in the Solar
System, with volcanic eruptions constantly repaving its surface. This image shows a couple of volcanic
eruptions as they happen.
Of the four large Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter, Io is the closest to the planet. Considering Io's size and
location in the Solar System, what is the most likely reason for Io's high level of geological activity?
Choose one:
A. Io's proximity to Jupiter provides a current source of internal heat.
B. Io must have more radioactive elements inside of it that provide a current source of internal heat.
C. Io's proximity to the Sun provides a current source of internal heat.
D. Io must be made of a substance that traps heat better, so it has still retained all of its initial internal h
- AnswersA. Io's proximity to Jupiter provides a current source of internal heat.
Io's noncircular orbit causes it to bulge toward Jupiter in different ways throughout its orbit, creating
friction in its interior that heats it to melting. Earth's Moon also has a noncircular orbit and experiences
differential gravitational tidal forces from the Earth. This figure shows the relative sizes of the major
moons in the Solar System.
Considering what you know of the formation of objects in the inner versus outer Solar System, and given
the information in the figure, which of these statements are factors in the Moon's lack of geological
activity compared to Io?
Choose one or more:
A. The Moon is made of material that has a higher melting point.
