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Chapter 20: Problem 18

For a galaxy, the term morphology refers to a. its shape. b. its evolution over time. c. the motion of its stars. d. its overall density.

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. its shape.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

Read the question carefully. It asks for the meaning of the term 'morphology' in the context of a galaxy.
02

Analyze the Options

Consider each option given in the question:a. its shape.b. its evolution over time.c. the motion of its stars.d. its overall density.
03

Define Morphology in Astronomy

In astronomy, morphology generally refers to the form or structure of a galaxy, focusing on its shape and visual appearance.
04

Match the Definition with an Option

Compare the definition from step 3 with the options provided. The option 'a. its shape' aligns with the definition.
05

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the previous analysis, the correct answer is option a.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

galaxy shape
When studying galaxies, their 'shape' is a vital aspect. A galaxy's shape can tell us a lot about its history and behavior. Galaxies come in different shapes:
  • Spiral Galaxies: These have a flat, rotating disk with spiral arms. They often contain younger stars, dust, and gas, indicating ongoing star formation.
  • Elliptical Galaxies: Shaped like elongated spheres, these galaxies have little dust and gas, and mostly older stars.
  • Irregular Galaxies: These lack a defined shape, often due to gravitational interactions or collisions.
Understanding a galaxy’s shape helps astronomers infer past events, like mergers or interactions with other galaxies, and predict future developments.
astronomical structure
The 'astronomical structure' of a galaxy encompasses its overall organization and components. This includes:
  • Bulge: Many galaxies have a central bulge made up of older stars. The size of the bulge can vary.
  • Disk: Prominent in spiral galaxies, the disk includes spiral arms and contains stars of different ages.
  • Halo: A roughly spherical component outside the main visible parts of the galaxy housing older stars and globular clusters.
  • Dark Matter: Invisible material that makes up a significant portion of a galaxy's mass, influencing its gravitational behavior.
Each of these structures plays a role in a galaxy’s formation, evolution, and observable characteristics, contributing to our understanding of the universe.
visual appearance in astronomy
In astronomy, the 'visual appearance' of a galaxy provides clues about its nature and properties. The appearance is influenced by several factors:
  • Light Emission: Stars, gas, and dust within a galaxy emit light at different wavelengths, which astronomers observe using telescopes.
  • Star Distribution: The placement and concentration of stars create distinctive patterns and structures within the galaxy.
  • Interstellar Medium: Dust and gas clouds can obscure parts of a galaxy, affecting its appearance.
  • Interactions: Gravitational influences from nearby galaxies can distort appearances, producing tidal tails, bridges, or rings.
By analyzing these visual cues, scientists can infer the physical conditions, evolutionary stages, and dynamic processes occurring within different galaxies.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

If a luminous quasar has a luminosity of \(2 \times 10^{41} \mathrm{W}\), or \(\mathrm{J} / \mathrm{s}\), how many solar masses \(\left(M_{\circ}=2 \times 10^{30} \mathrm{kg}\right)\) per year does this quasar consume to maintain its average energy output?

T/F: AGNs are small but extremely luminous.

Describe the characteristics of irregular galaxies.

Which of the following galaxy types has a spherical bulge and a well-defined disk? a. spiral b. barred spiral c. elliptical d. irregular

Name some of the candidates for the composition of dark matter.
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