Share PHYSICS (thermal physics & space physics)
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What force keeps planets in orbit?
Gravity.
What is a light year?
The distance light travels in one year.
What is the primary source of energy in the Sun?
Nuclear fusion.
What is the Big Bang Theory?
The theory that the universe began from a hot, dense singularity.
What is the main difference between a star and a planet?
Stars emit light; planets reflect light.
What is the Milky Way?
The galaxy containing our solar system.
What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid?
Comet: Ice and dust, elliptical orbits. Asteroid: Rocky, irregular shapes.
Name the closest star to Earth.
The Sun.
Explain conduction.
Answer: Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through a material without the movement of the material itself, primarily occurring in solids via particle
Why are metals good conductors of heat?
Answer: Metals have free electrons that move easily through the material, transferring energy quickly between particles.
What is convection, and in which states of matter does it occur?
Answer: Convection is the transfer of heat by the movement of fluid (liquid or gas) particles.
What is thermal radiation?
Answer: Thermal radiation is the transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves, primarily infrared, and does not require a medium.
Which surfaces are the best emitters and absorbers of thermal radiation?
Dark, matte surfaces are the best emitters and absorbers of thermal radiation, while shiny, reflective surfaces are the worst.
What is a supernova?
A supernova is the explosive death of a massive star, releasing huge amounts of energy and elements into space.
How are elements heavier than iron formed?
They are formed during supernova explosions through rapid neutron capture (r-process).
What is the life cycle of a star similar in mass to the Sun?
Nebula → Protostar → Main sequence star → Red giant → Planetary nebula → White dwarf.
