Earth, Stars & Solar System Quiz

Match the natural disaster with the primary cause and its common impact: Natural Disaster Cause Impact A. Tsunami 1. Sudden release of seismic energy I. Destruction of vegetation and homes B. Cyclone 2. Magma pressure buildup in the crust II. Inundation of coastal areas C. Volcanic eruption 3. Warm ocean waters and low pressure III. Ground shaking and infrastructure loss D. Earthquake 4. Tectonic plate movement IV. Soil fertility increase

1. A-1-I, B-2-II, C-3-III, D-4-IV
2. A-4-II, B-3-I, C-2-IV, D-1-III
3. A-2-II, B-4-IV, C-3-III, D-1-I
4. A-1-III, B-2-I, C-4-II, D-3-IV

Answer: (b) A-4-II, B-3-I, C-2-IV, D-1-III

A seismograph records seismic waves. Which wave is recorded first, and why?

1. P waves, because they are the fastest.
2. S waves, because they have the highest energy.
3. Surface waves, because they travel along the crust.
4. P waves, because they carry the most destruction.

Answer: (a) P waves, because they are the fastest.

In a dry winter day, a student touches a metal doorknob and feels a small shock. What could be the reason for this phenomenon?

1. The student has accumulated negative charge due to static electricity.
2. The student and the doorknob are at different electric potentials.
3. The doorknob is positively charged by induction.
4. Air acts as a conductor and transfers charge.

Answer: (b) The student and the doorknob are at different electric potentials.

Two earthquakes are recorded with magnitudes of 5 and 7 on the Richter scale. How does the energy release of a magnitude 7 earthquake compare to that of a magnitude 5 earthquake?

1. 2 times more energy
2. 10 times more energy
3. 100 times more energy
4. 1000 times more energy

Answer: (d) 1000 times more energy

A tsunami is often caused by a sudden displacement of the ocean floor due to underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The wave travels across the ocean at high speed but is not visible in the deep sea. However, as it approaches shallow coastal areas, the wave height increases drastically, causing devastation. Based on this information, which of the following factors determines the severity of a tsunami? 1. Depth of the earthquake’s epicentre. 2. Distance from the point of origin to the coast. 3. Volume of displaced water. 4. Speed of the wind over the ocean.

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 3 only
4. 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3 only

A group of students creates a table (given below) summarising the characteristics of charge transfer during a storm. Which of the following correctly identifies X, Y, and Z? Event Type of Charge Movement Consequence Cloud polarisation X Formation of opposite charges Discharge to ground Y Lightning strikes Charge redistribution Z Dissipation of static charges

1. X: Induction, Y: Conduction, Z: Polarisation
2. X: Conduction, Y: Induction, Z: Discharge
3. X: Induction, Y: Discharge, Z: Conduction
4. X: Polarisation, Y: Discharge, Z: Induction

Answer: (c) X: Induction, Y: Discharge, Z: Conduction

Which term refers to the visible depressions caused by meteoroid impacts on the Moon?

1. Craters
2. Volcanoes
3. Valleys
4. Ridges

Answer: (a) Craters

Consider the following statements and choose if they are true or false. I: Mars has a thick atmosphere composed mostly of nitrogen, similar to Earth. II: The Moon’s surface temperature varies more drastically between day and night compared to Earth due to the absence of an atmosphere. III: Earth and Venus are often referred to as “twin planets” because they have similar atmospheric compositions and surface temperatures.

1. I: False, II: True, III: True
2. I: True, II: True, III: False
3. I: True, II: True, III: True
4. I: False, II: True, III: False

Answer: (d) I: False, II: True, III: False

If Earth were located twice as far from the Sun as it is now, which of the following would be a likely consequence?

1. Earth’s gravity would weaken.
2. The length of a day would become shorter.
3. Earth’s surface temperature would remain unchanged.
4. Earth’s orbital period would increase significantly.

Answer: (d) Earth’s orbital period would increase significantly.

The Moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning one side always faces Earth. This phenomenon occurs due to gravitational forces creating tidal bulges, which slow the Moon's rotation over time. What would likely happen if the Moon were no longer tidally locked?

1. All sides of the Moon would become visible from Earth.
2. Earth would experience more severe tides.
3. The Moon’s orbit would become perfectly circular.
4. The Moon would move closer to Earth.

Answer: (a) All sides of the Moon would become visible from Earth.