Geophysics Cumulative 2nd Semester Final Exam

Review Guide
= I understand = I sort of get it
= I’m lost!

1st Semester
Unit 1: Nature of Matter and Energy I (Density)

Self- Learning Goal

Evaluation
1. “I know what density is and how to calculate it.”

2. “I know how to determine the density of an irregular object.”

3. “I can determine the density of a substance from the slope of
a line on a volume vs. mass graph.”

Unit 2: Nature of Matter and Energy II

Self- Learning Goal

Evaluation
1. “I can diagram (dot models) and describe the three states of
matter: solid, liquid, gas.”
2. “I know which state of matter has molecules with the highest
kinetic energy. I know which state of matter has molecules with
the lowest kinetic energy.”
3. “I can diagram the structure of an atom (mostly empty
space), and can describe the different subatomic particles
( charges, masses).”
4. “I can determine the speed of an object from the slope of a
line on a distance vs. time graph.”
5. “I know the difference between radiation, conduction and
convection.”
6. “I can compare and contrast conductors and insulators.”

7. “I understand what the sunspot cycle is telling me.”

Unit 3: Forces, Fusion, Stars

Self- Learning Goal

Evaluation
1. “I can compare and contrast the four fundamental forces of
the universe: strong nuclear force, weak nuclear force,
electromagnetic force, and gravity.”
2. “I know how the force of gravitational attraction between two
masses is affected by their mass and the distance between
them.”
 3. “I know the conditions needed to spark a nuclear fusion
reaction in a protostar.”
4. “I understand the significance of Einstein’s mass-energy
conversion equation: E=mc2 and how it relates to nuclear
fusion.”
5. “I know how to interpret the H-R diagram.”
6. “I can compare and contrast the life spans of small, medium
and large stars.”

Unit 4: Light and Waves

Self- Learning Goal

Evaluation
1.”I can label the parts of a wave.”

2. “I can calculate wave speed using the wave speed equation.”

3. “I know the relationship between wavelength and frequency.”

4. “I know what type of electromagnetic radiation causes
damage to cells.”
5. “I can explain the following types of wave behavior:
absorption, reflection, refraction, and diffraction.”
6. “I can determine the elements found in a star from absorption
and line emission spectra.”

2nd Semester
Unit 1: Observational Astronomy

Self- Learning Goal

Evaluation
1. “I can explain what causes the seasons.”

2. “ I know the difference between rotation and revolution.”

3. “ I can describe the motion of circumpolar constellations.”

4. “I can explain why we see certain constellations during
specific times of the year (seasonal constellations).”
5. “I can draw the motion of the daily sun (ecliptic) and describe
how it varies with the seasons.”
6. “I can identify the phases of the moon.”

7. “I can describe how solar and lunar eclipses occur.”

Unit 2: Astrophysics

Self- Learning Goal

Evaluation
 1.“ I know the difference between terrestrial and Jovian
planets.”
2. “I understand the difference between geocentric and
heliocentric”
3. “I can draw force diagrams with various real life examples
(i.e. bobsled).”
4. “ I can describe inertia, and use real life examples to explain
it.”
5. “I can define and calculate acceleration by using a graph or
word problem.”
6. “I know the difference between mass and weight.”
7. “I can use Newton’s equation F=ma to determine force and
Fw=mg to determine weight.”
8. “I can calculate gravitational potential energy and kinetic
energy.”

Unit 3: Earth’s Resources

Self- Learning Goal

Evaluation
1.“I can explain the physical properties scientists use to identify
minerals.”
2. “ I can list and describe how each of three main types of
rocks are formed.”
3. “ I can describe the layers of the Earth in terms of their
physical characteristics.”
4. “I know the evidence for Wegener’s theory of continental
drift.”
5. “I can diagram and describe the characteristics of the
different tectonic boundaries (convergent, divergent,
transform).”
6. “I can explain the evidence for seafloor spreading and
subduction.”
7. “I understand how convection currents in the asthenosphere
are believed to drive tectonic plate motion.”
8. “ I can compare/contrast continental and oceanic crust in
terms of density and thickness.”

Unit 4: Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Self- Learning Goal

Evaluation
1. “I can compare and contrast shield, cinder cone and
composite volcanoes.”
2. “I can explain viscosity and relate it to explosiveness”
3. “I can explain how the Hawaiian islands and Yellowstone was
formed.”
4. “I understand how earthquake waves are used to determine
the inner structure of the Earth.”
 5. “I can compare and contrast P-waves, S-waves, and surface
waves.”
6. “I know the difference between the epicenter and focus of an
earthquake.”
7. “I can calculate the distance from an earthquake epicenter
using the S-P lag time.”

Unit 5: Geologic Time

Self- Learning Goal

Evaluation
1. “I understand the difference between absolute and relative
dating.”
2. “I understand how to use radioactive half life to determine
geologic age.”
3. “I know the principles of relative dating.”
4. “I know the major eras of geologic history: Precambrian,
Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.”

Good Luck!