Review Questions
By Formative Library
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Last updated over 2 years ago
16 Questions
1
1.
Describe the main distinguishing features of spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies.
1
2.
Why did it take so long for the existence of other galaxies to be established?
1
3.
Explain what the mass-to-light ratio is and why it is smaller in spiral galaxies with regions of star formation than in elliptical galaxies.
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4.
If we now realize dwarf ellipticals are the most common type of galaxy, why did they escape our notice for so long?
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5.
What are the two best ways to measure the distance to a nearby spiral galaxy, and how would it be measured?
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6.
What are the two best ways to measure the distance to a distant, isolated spiral galaxy, and how would it be measured?
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7.
Why is Hubble’s law considered one of the most important discoveries in the history of astronomy?
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8.
What does it mean to say that the universe is expanding? What is expanding? For example, is your astronomy classroom expanding? Is the solar system? Why or why not?
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9.
Was Hubble’s original estimate of the distance to the Andromeda galaxy correct? Explain.
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10.
Does an elliptical galaxy rotate like a spiral galaxy? Explain.
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11.
Why does the disk of a spiral galaxy appear dark when viewed edge on?
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12.
What causes the largest mass-to-light ratio: gas and dust, dark matter, or stars that have burnt out?
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13.
What is the most useful standard bulb method for determining distances to galaxies?
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14.
When comparing two isolated spiral galaxies that have the same apparent brightness, but rotate at different rates, what can you say about their relative luminosity?
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15.
If all distant galaxies are expanding away from us, does this mean we’re at the center of the universe?
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16.
Is the Hubble constant actually constant?
Please take the time to check out the source for this material from Openstax if you plan to use this in your lesson plan!: https://openstax.org/books/astronomy/pages/26-review-questions