The Universe Quiz

1. What is redshift in light from distant galaxies evidence for?

• A. The Universe is expanding and supports the Big Bang Theory
• B. Stars are moving towards Earth at high speeds
• C. The Milky Way is the only galaxy in the Universe
• D. Light travels faster than previously thought

2. Which of the following best describes the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR)?

• A. Radiation emitted by stars in the Milky Way
• B. Microwave radiation of a specific frequency observed at all points in space, produced shortly after the Universe formed
• C. Radiation that is expanding faster than the Universe itself
• D. Light emitted from nearby galaxies that has been redshifted into the microwave region

3. A galaxy is observed to be moving away from Earth at a speed of 6.6 × 10²² m/s. Using H₀ = 2.2 × 10⁻¹⁸ s⁻¹, calculate the distance to this galaxy.

• A. 3.0 × 10⁴⁰ m
• B. 3.0 × 10⁴¹ m
• C. 1.5 × 10⁴¹ m
• D. 6.6 × 10²² m

4. The equation d/v = 1/H₀ can be used to estimate the age of the Universe. What does this equation represent physically?

• A. The ratio of distance to velocity equals the Hubble constant
• B. The time since all matter in the Universe was at a single point, assuming constant recession velocity
• C. The gravitational force between distant galaxies
• D. The wavelength change in light from distant galaxies

5. A distant supernova in another galaxy appears dimmer than an identical supernova in a nearer galaxy. How can astronomers use this observation to determine the distance to the distant galaxy?

• A. By measuring the redshift of the galaxy's light
• B. By comparing the observed brightness with the known intrinsic brightness of the supernova to calculate distance
• C. By counting the number of stars visible in that galaxy
• D. By measuring the Hubble constant directly from the supernova's spectrum