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Chapter 15: Problem 7

In astronomy, the term bipolar refers to outflows that a. point in opposite directions. b. alternate between expanding and collapsing. c. rotate about a polar axis. d. show spiral structure.

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. point in opposite directions.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Term 'Bipolar'

The term 'bipolar' generally means having two opposite poles or directions.
02

Relate 'Bipolar' to Astronomy

In the context of astronomy, 'bipolar' usually refers to outflows or emissions that have two distinct directions.
03

Analyze Each Option

Evaluate each option to determine which best matches the definition: - (a) point in opposite directions - (b) alternate between expanding and collapsing - (c) rotate about a polar axis - (d) show spiral structure.
04

Match Definition with Best Option

The option that best fits the idea of 'bipolar,' meaning having two opposite directions, is (a) point in opposite directions.

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Key Concepts

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

astronomy terminology
Astronomy is a science that studies celestial objects and phenomena beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Terms in this field can be specific and technical.

For instance, the term 'bipolar' means having two opposite poles or directions. This can apply to many concepts, but its precise meaning can vary.

Understanding astronomical terminology is crucial for grasping more complex phenomena. For example, 'nebulae' are clouds of gas and dust in space, and 'light-year' is the distance light travels in one year, about 5.88 trillion miles.
bipolar outflows
Bipolar outflows are a common phenomenon in astronomy, often observed in star-forming regions. These are streams of gas that are ejected from a celestial body’s poles in two opposite directions.

Such outflows occur when young stars or protostars expel material in narrow, focused jets.
  • These jets balance the angular momentum.
  • They can stretch for several light-years.
  • They impact the surrounding gas and dust heavily.
The study of bipolar outflows helps astronomers understand star formation and the interaction between young stars and their environments.
directional outflows
Directional outflows refer to matter that is ejected from a celestial source in specific, well-defined paths. Unlike isotropic outflows, which spread evenly in all directions, directional outflows are confined and focused.

Bipolar outflows are a perfect example of directional outflows.

For instance, in the case of a bipolar outflow:
  • Material is ejected along the axes of rotation.
  • Flows are highly collimated (narrow and elongated).
  • The direction tends to be perpendicular to the plane of accretion disks.
These focused outflows can reveal much about the dynamics of stellar formation and the forces at play in the young stellar objects.
astronomical phenomena
The universe hosts an array of fascinating phenomena that intrigue astronomers and enthusiasts alike.

These phenomena, including supernovae, black holes, and quasars, provide deep insights into the workings of the cosmos.

Bipolar outflows are one such phenomenon, typically found around young stars or dying stars like planetary nebulae.
  • Supernovae: Catastrophic explosions marking a star’s death.
  • Black Holes: Dense regions of space where gravity is so strong nothing, not even light, can escape.
  • Quasars: Extremely luminous and ancient objects powered by black holes at the centers of distant galaxies.
By studying these phenomena, we can comprehend the birth, evolution, and eventual fate of stars and galaxies.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Astronomers know that there are dusty accretion disks around protostars because a. there is often a dark band across the protostar. b. there is often a bright band across the protostar. c. theory says accretion disks should be there. d. there are planets in the Solar System.

What is the single most important property of a star that will determine its evolution? a. temperature b. composition c. mass d. radius

If a typical hydrogen atom in a collapsing molecular-cloud core starts at a distance of \(1.5 \times 10^{12} \mathrm{km}(10,000 \mathrm{AU})\) from the core's center and falls inward at an average velocity of \(1.5 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{s},\) how many years does it take to reach the newly forming protostar? Assume that a year is \(3 \times 10^{7}\) seconds.

What causes a hydrogen atom to radiate a photon of 21 -cm radio emission? a. The electron drops down one energy level. b. The formerly free electron is captured by the proton. c. The electron flips to an aligned spin state. d. The electron flips to an unaligned spin state.

If you placed your hand in boiling water \(\left(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right)\) for even 1 second, you would get a very serious burn. If you placed your hand in a hot oven \(\left(200^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right)\) for a second or two, you would hardly feel the heat. Explain this difference and how it relates to million-kelvin regions of the interstellar medium.
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