Physics Notes
®
keep it simple science
Copying is permitted according to the Site Licence Conditions only
Preliminary Physics Topic 4
THE COSMIC ENGINE
What is this topic about?
To keep it as simple as possible, (K.I.S.S.) this topic involves the study of: 1. THE HISTORY OF OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNIVERSE 2. HOW THE UNIVERSE BEGAN (THE "BIG BANG" THEORY) 3. LIFE-CYCLES OF THE STARS 4. ENERGY FROM THE SUN, & ITS EFFECTS ON US
but first, let’s revise...
The Structure of the Universe
The EARTH is a PLANET. The Earth and 7 other planets (plus dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, etc) are in orbit around the Sun. The SUN and all these things in orbit around it, make up our "SOLAR SYSTEM". Everything stays in orbit around the Sun because of gravity. The SUN is a STAR. Energy is being produced inside it, due to NUCLEAR REACTIONS. The Sun is one of over 100 billion stars that make up our GALAXY. Each star in the night sky is another "Sun" within our galaxy, the "MILKY WAY". Our Sun and the other stars of the Milky Way are orbiting around the galaxy’s centre because of gravity. Beyond our galaxy are billions of other galaxies. The distances involved are immense and unimaginable! We have good reason to believe that the entire Universe is EXPANDING, with the space between galaxies increasing.
Other, distant galaxies
This topic begins with a little history, then gives you an introduction to modern Astronomy. Along the way you’ll learn about nuclear reactions and finish up with a look at the Sun, its many radiations and how they affect the Earth.
Our Galaxy, the Milky Way Sun
Mercury Venus Earth Jupiter
Position of our Sun in the galaxy
Mars Neptune
Our understanding of the Universe is very recent. Just 100 years ago we had no idea of the vastness of the Universe or what was going on inside the Sun. We had no knowledge of the life and death of a star. We’re still learning...
Preliminary Physics Topic 4 “Cosmic Engine” Copyright © 2005-2009 keep it
keep it simple science
Copying is permitted according to the Site Licence Conditions only
Preliminary Physics Topic 4
THE COSMIC ENGINE
What is this topic about?
To keep it as simple as possible, (K.I.S.S.) this topic involves the study of: 1. THE HISTORY OF OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNIVERSE 2. HOW THE UNIVERSE BEGAN (THE "BIG BANG" THEORY) 3. LIFE-CYCLES OF THE STARS 4. ENERGY FROM THE SUN, & ITS EFFECTS ON US
but first, let’s revise...
The Structure of the Universe
The EARTH is a PLANET. The Earth and 7 other planets (plus dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, etc) are in orbit around the Sun. The SUN and all these things in orbit around it, make up our "SOLAR SYSTEM". Everything stays in orbit around the Sun because of gravity. The SUN is a STAR. Energy is being produced inside it, due to NUCLEAR REACTIONS. The Sun is one of over 100 billion stars that make up our GALAXY. Each star in the night sky is another "Sun" within our galaxy, the "MILKY WAY". Our Sun and the other stars of the Milky Way are orbiting around the galaxy’s centre because of gravity. Beyond our galaxy are billions of other galaxies. The distances involved are immense and unimaginable! We have good reason to believe that the entire Universe is EXPANDING, with the space between galaxies increasing.
Other, distant galaxies
This topic begins with a little history, then gives you an introduction to modern Astronomy. Along the way you’ll learn about nuclear reactions and finish up with a look at the Sun, its many radiations and how they affect the Earth.
Our Galaxy, the Milky Way Sun
Mercury Venus Earth Jupiter
Position of our Sun in the galaxy
Mars Neptune
Our understanding of the Universe is very recent. Just 100 years ago we had no idea of the vastness of the Universe or what was going on inside the Sun. We had no knowledge of the life and death of a star. We’re still learning...
Preliminary Physics Topic 4 “Cosmic Engine” Copyright © 2005-2009 keep it