Read this passage and answer the questions below - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 11 - 2009
Question 11
Read this passage and answer the questions below.
Why do stars and the lights of distant objects twinkle?
The twinkling of stars, also known as stellar scintillati... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read this passage and answer the questions below - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 11 - 2009
Step 1
What causes the twinkling of stars?
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Answer
The twinkling of stars is primarily caused by atmospheric turbulence, which distorts the path of light from the stars as it passes through varying densities of air in Earth's atmosphere. This distortion leads to the apparent change in brightness and position of the stars.
Step 2
Give another name for the twinkling of stars.
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Answer
Another name for the twinkling of stars is stellar scintillation.
Step 3
What is meant by the refraction of light?
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Answer
Refraction of light refers to the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, due to a change in speed. For instance, light traveling from air into water will change direction as it enters the water.
Step 4
Name two properties of air that are affected by atmospheric turbulence.
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Answer
Refractive index
Density
Step 5
Why is the air turbulent in towns?
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Answer
The air is turbulent in towns primarily due to heat rising from buildings, which creates convection currents and leads to variations in air density and temperature.
Step 6
How can you tell the difference between a planet and a star in the night sky?
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Answer
Planets do not twinkle like stars do. While stars appear as point-like images that twinkle due to atmospheric turbulence, planets generally shine steadily since they are closer and appear larger in the sky.
Step 7
Why do stars close to the horizon twinkle more?
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Answer
Stars close to the horizon twinkle more because their light passes through a greater thickness of atmosphere, which increases the chance of refraction and distortion.
Step 8
A star emits light, what is the source of this energy?
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Answer
The source of a star's energy is nuclear fusion, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing vast amounts of energy in the process.
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