Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 23: Problem 16

What is the primary difference between galaxy groups and galaxy clusters? a. the volume they occupy b. the number of galaxies c. the total mass of the galaxies d. all of the above

Short Answer

Expert verified
d. all of the above

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the Question

Identify what the question is asking: the primary difference between galaxy groups and galaxy clusters.
02

- Define Galaxy Groups and Clusters

Galaxy groups contain fewer galaxies, usually less than 50, and are smaller in size and mass. Galaxy clusters contain hundreds to thousands of galaxies and have significantly greater mass and occupy larger volumes.
03

- Compare the Attributes

Compare the volume, number of galaxies, and the total mass of galaxies in groups versus clusters.
04

- Analyze Choices a, b, and c

Each of these choices examines one aspect of the differences between galaxy groups and clusters - volume, number of galaxies, and total mass.
05

- Choose the Correct Answer

Since all these aspects differ between groups and clusters, the correct answer encompasses all these aspects.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Key Concepts

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

galaxy classification
Galaxies are vast systems made up of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter held together by gravity. There are different types of galaxies based on their shapes and compositions. The most common classifications include:
  • Elliptical galaxies: Shaped like elongated spheres, contain older stars, and have little gas and dust.
  • Spiral galaxies: Have a flat, rotating disk with spiral arms, a central bulge, and are rich in gas and young stars.
  • Irregular galaxies: Lack any definite shape and often have chaotic appearances with young, forming stars.
These diverse shapes often help scientists learn about the formation and evolution of galaxies over time.
astronomical objects
Astronomical objects are celestial bodies found in space which include:
  • Stars: Massive luminous bodies made up mostly of hydrogen and helium, undergoing nuclear fusion.
  • Planets: Bodies orbiting stars, large enough to be rounded by their own gravity, but not capable of nuclear fusion.
  • Moons: Natural satellites that orbit planets.
  • Asteroids and comets: Small rocky and icy bodies that orbit the sun.
  • Galaxies: Large systems of stars, stellar remnants, gas, dust, and dark matter.
Understanding these objects helps us explore the universe and our place within it.
mass and volume in astronomy
Mass and volume are fundamental properties used to describe astronomical objects. In the context of galaxies:
  • Mass: Refers to the total amount of matter within an object. Galaxy clusters have significantly more mass compared to galaxy groups.
  • Volume: Defines the three-dimensional space an object occupies. Clusters occupy a much larger volume than groups.
These properties help scientists distinguish between different cosmic structures, understanding their formation, dynamics, and influence on the universe.
educational problem solving
Educational problem solving involves a series of structured steps to arrive at the correct answer. Let's revisit the steps used to determine the difference between galaxy groups and clusters:
  • Understand the question: Clarify exactly what is being asked to avoid confusion.
  • Define key terms: Clearly understand the definitions of galaxy groups and clusters.
  • Compare attributes: Examine different characteristics such as volume, number of galaxies, and total mass.
  • Analyze choices: Evaluate each choice to see how it fits the identified characteristics.
  • Choose the correct answer: Make a decision based on all the analyzed information.
By following these steps, students can effectively tackle and comprehend complex astronomical exercises.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Imagine that there are galaxies in the universe composed mostly of dark matter, with relatively few stars or other luminous normal matter. If this were true, how might you learn of the existence of such galaxies?

Dark matter cannot consist of neutrons, protons, and electrons, because if it did, a. the abundances of isotopes would not be the same as those observed. b. it would have interacted with light in the early universe. c. stars and galaxies would be much more massive. d. both a and b

Larger galaxies form from the merging of small protogalaxies. This process is similar to the formation of a. stars. b. planets. c. molecular clouds. d. asteroids.

Using the current model of galaxy formation, describe how galaxies should appear as you look further back in time. Are the features you described observed?

The dominant factor in the formation of galaxies is the distribution of ___in the early universe. a. ordinary matter b. dark matter c. energy d. dark energy
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Nuclear Physics

Read Explanation

Thermodynamics

Read Explanation

Waves Physics

Read Explanation

Famous Physicists

Read Explanation

Space Physics

Read Explanation

Astrophysics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free