(E) Topic 3 & 4

Question 1

When do particularly high and low spring tides occur?

Answer 1

At full and new moon

Question 2

When do neap tides occur?

Answer 2

• Close to when the moon is half full
• When the Sun’s and moon’s tidal forces act at right angles to eachother

Question 3

Evidence of Axial Precession?

Answer 3

• The changing ‘pole star’
• The misalignment of ancient monuments and temples
• The changing locations of the equinoxes

Question 4

What is the rate of precession?

Answer 4

1.4 degrees per century

Question 5

Explain how the gradual precession of the Earth’s axis is used in archaeoastronomy

Answer 5

The misalignment of ancient monuments and temples

Knowing the rate of precession of the earth’s axis, archaeoastronomers can determine the approx date of their construction

Question 6

Whats the angular diameter of the moon and sun?

Answer 6

Roughly 0.5 degrees

Question 7

Which 2 people were responsible for the ‘ cosmic distance ladder’?

Answer 7

Eratosthenes and Aristarchus

Question 8

Who measured the diameter of the earth?

Answer 8

Eratosthenes

Question 9

Who measured the diameter & distance to the moon?

Answer 9

Aristarchus

Question 10

Who measured the distance to the sun?

Answer 10

Aristarchus

Question 11

Whilst observing a lunar eclipse, what did Aristarchus determine?

Answer 11

• A lunar eclipse was produced (when moon passed through Earth’s umbra)
• Sun = very far away. Rays were parallel when reaching Earth
• Centre of Earths umbra = diameter of Earth. Moons path took it through this

Question 12

What equation did Aristarchus use to present his 3 assumptions?

Answer 12

diameter of moon U1 to U2
————————- =
diameter of Earth U2 to U4