Suppose the ratio of radiogenic 238U to nonradiogenic 204Pb was 2:100 at the time a rock was formed, and also that at that time, the ratio of radiogenic 206Pb to 204Pb was 1:100. Now, when the rock is analyzed, it is found that the ratios are 238U/204Pb = 1:100 and 206Pb/204Pb = 2:100. How old is the rock (in billions of years)?

A) 2.25 B) 4.5 C) 9 D) 13.5 A) 2.25 B) 4.5 C) 9 D) 13.5

The half-life of radiogenic 14C is 5730 years. How long must you wait until 90% of the original sample remains?

A) less than 5730 years B) 5730 years C) 9 × 5730 = 51,570 years D) more than 51,570 years A) less than 5730 years B) 5730 years C) 9 × 5730 = 51,570 years D) more than 51,570 years

Exam 8: Comparative Planetology II: the Origin of Our Solar System

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To be accepted as a reasonable picture of the formation of the solar system, the nebular hypothesis must explain all of the these statements except one. Which is the exception?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 21

Of the extrasolar planets that have been found, many have masses comparable to that of Jupiter but orbits smaller than Earth's. What is believed to be the most likely explanation for this surprising combination?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 22

Radioactive decay in an atom occurs because:

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 23

According to modern theories, one significant difference between the formation of the terrestrial and jovian planets is that:

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 24

Just after the original Big Bang the abundance of elements heavier than helium was:

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 25

The reason most of the terrestrial planets have dense, iron cores is because:

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 26

Some exoplanets appear to have very surprising characteristics, namely Jupiter-like masses but very small orbital radii. However, an uncertainty in observational precision may render this observation meaningless. What uncertainty is this?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 27

What is the process of chemical differentiation?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 28

The Grand Tack model helps to explain all of these except one. Which is the exception?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 29

Suppose the ratio of radiogenic ²³⁸U to nonradiogenic ²⁰⁴Pb was 2:100 at the time a rock was formed, and also that at that time, the ratio of radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb to ²⁰⁴Pb was 1:100. Now, when the rock is analyzed, it is found that the ratios are ²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb = 1:100 and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 2:100. How old is the rock (in billions of years)?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 30

The most abundant elements in the universe, as revealed by spectroscopic analysis, in order of decreasing abundance (number of atoms) are:

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 31

The half-life of radiogenic ¹⁴C is 5730 years. How long must you wait until 90% of the original sample remains?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 32

Astrometry is the very precise measurement of:

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 33

Figure 8-4 of Universe, 11th ed. shows the abundance of the lighter elements in our region of the galaxy. What does this suggest about the abundance of water, H₂O?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 34

The protosun became a full-fledged star when:

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 35

The environment where the jovian planets initially formed contained all these ingredients except one. Which was the exception?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 36

Interaction between newly formed planets and gas and dust left over in the stellar nebula may account for our observation of:

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 37

How are many of the satellites of the jovian planets thought to have formed?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 38

Carbon atoms make up much of the structure of living organisms, including humans. Where were these carbon atoms formed?

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 39

The asteroid belt is:

(Multiple Choice)

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Question 40

Showing 21 - 40 of 53

Exam 8: Comparative Planetology II: the Origin of Our Solar System

To be accepted as a reasonable picture of the formation of the solar system, the nebular hypothesis must explain all of the these statements except one. Which is the exception?

Of the extrasolar planets that have been found, many have masses comparable to that of Jupiter but orbits smaller than Earth's. What is believed to be the most likely explanation for this surprising combination?

Radioactive decay in an atom occurs because:

According to modern theories, one significant difference between the formation of the terrestrial and jovian planets is that:

Just after the original Big Bang the abundance of elements heavier than helium was:

The reason most of the terrestrial planets have dense, iron cores is because:

Some exoplanets appear to have very surprising characteristics, namely Jupiter-like masses but very small orbital radii. However, an uncertainty in observational precision may render this observation meaningless. What uncertainty is this?

What is the process of chemical differentiation?

The Grand Tack model helps to explain all of these except one. Which is the exception?

The most abundant elements in the universe, as revealed by spectroscopic analysis, in order of decreasing abundance (number of atoms) are:

The half-life of radiogenic 14C is 5730 years. How long must you wait until 90% of the original sample remains?

Astrometry is the very precise measurement of:

Figure 8-4 of Universe, 11th ed. shows the abundance of the lighter elements in our region of the galaxy. What does this suggest about the abundance of water, H2O?

The protosun became a full-fledged star when:

The environment where the jovian planets initially formed contained all these ingredients except one. Which was the exception?

Interaction between newly formed planets and gas and dust left over in the stellar nebula may account for our observation of:

How are many of the satellites of the jovian planets thought to have formed?

Carbon atoms make up much of the structure of living organisms, including humans. Where were these carbon atoms formed?

The asteroid belt is:

Astronomy and the Universe

Knowing the Heavens

Eclipses and the Motion of the Moon

Gravitation and the Waltz of the Planets

The Nature of Light

Optics and Telescopes

Comparative Planetology I: Our Solar System

The Living Earth

Our Barren Moon

Mercury, Venus, and Mars: Terrestrial, yet Unique

Jupiter and Saturn: Lords of the Planets

Jupiter and Saturns Satellites of Fire and Ice

Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and the Kuiper Belt: Remote Worlds

Asteroids, Comets, and Impacts

Our Star, the Sun

The Nature of the Stars

The Birth of Stars

Stellar Evolution: on and After the Main Sequence

Stellar Evolution: The Death of Stars

Stellar Remnants: Neutron Stars and Black Holes

Our Galaxy

Galaxies

Quasars and Active Galaxies

Cosmology: The Origin and Evolution of the Universe

Exploring the Early Universe

The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

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The half-life of radiogenic ¹⁴C is 5730 years. How long must you wait until 90% of the original sample remains?

Figure 8-4 of Universe, 11th ed. shows the abundance of the lighter elements in our region of the galaxy. What does this suggest about the abundance of water, H₂O?