Space

• What is the central star of our solar system?

  The Sun
• How many planets are in our solar system?

  Eight planets
• What are natural satellites in the solar system?

  Moons that orbit planets
• What galaxy is our solar system a part of?

  The Milky Way galaxy
• What are the components of the solar system?

  Planets, moons, comets, asteroids, dust, gas
• What does everything in the solar system do?

  Orbits around the Sun
• Name the eight planets in our solar system.

  Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
• What is the moon that orbits Earth called?

  The Moon
• What is a comet made of?

  Ice, dust, rocky materials, organic compounds
• What happens to a comet when it is near the Sun?

  Ice melts and forms a tail
• What is an asteroid primarily made of?

  Metals and rocky material
• Where is most of the asteroids located?

  In an asteroid belt between planets
• How far is our solar system from the galactic center?

  About 30,000 light years
• What is the process that formed the Sun?

  Gravitational attraction of dust and gas
• What initiates fusion reactions in a star?

  Gravity pulling dust and gas together
• What is the equilibrium in a star caused by?

  Gravitational collapse and fusion energy
• What is the Sun believed to be in terms of generation?

  A third generation star
• What evidence supports the Sun being a third generation star?

  Presence of heavier elements like iron
• What are the stages in the life cycle of a star?

  1. Nebula
  2. Protostar
  3. Main Sequence Star
  4. Red Giant
  5. White Dwarf
  6. Black Dwarf
  7. Red Supergiant
  8. Supernova
  9. Neutron Star or Black Hole
• What is a protostar?

  A concentration of gas that becomes hot enough for fusion
• What happens during the main sequence stage of a star?

  It produces light and heat through fusion
• What occurs in a red giant stage?

  Fusion of helium into carbon and oxygen
• What is a supernova?

  An explosion of a massive star
• What is the role of gravity in circular orbits?

  It provides the force for maintaining orbits
• What happens to velocity in circular motion?

  Velocity changes due to changing direction
• What is centripetal force?

  A force pulling towards the center of a circle
• What happens if a car turns a corner too fast?

  It skids due to insufficient centripetal force
• What are geostationary satellites?

  Satellites that stay over the same point on Earth
• What do communication satellites do?

  They provide communication signals
• What are the forces that provide centripetal force in different scenarios?

  1. Gravity (satellite in orbit)
  2. Lift (plane turning)
  3. Friction (car turning a corner)
• What are the stages of star formation?

  1. Clouds of dust and gas exist
  2. Gas is drawn inwards by gravity
  3. Cloud rotates and flattens into a disc
  4. Protostar forms
  5. Fusion begins and star shines
• What are the characteristics of the life cycle of a star?

  • Determined by the star's size
  • Fusion processes create elements
  • Supernova distributes elements in the universe
• What happens during the formation of planets?

  • Clumps of rock left over from the Sun's formation
  • Pull together under gravity
  • Not hot enough to become protostars
• What are the differences between planets, moons, and artificial satellites?

  • Planets: Orbit stars
  • Moons: Natural satellites orbiting planets
  • Artificial satellites: Man-made objects in orbit
• What is the significance of the Sun's fusion process?

  • Produces energy that powers the Sun
  • Balances gravitational collapse
  • Creates heavier elements over time
• What is the relationship between gravity and orbital motion?

  • Gravity provides centripetal force
  • Maintains circular orbits
  • Changes velocity but not speed
• What happens to the temperature and pressure in a protostar?

  • Increases as material collapses
  • Leads to fusion reactions
  • Causes the star to shine
• What is the role of the Sun in the solar system?

  • Central star providing light and heat
  • Gravitational anchor for planets
  • Drives the orbits of celestial bodies
• What direction does the velocity always point in relation to centripetal force?

  Towards the centre
• Why do the kinetic energy and speed of a planet remain constant?

  Gravity provides centripetal force