5.1 Images from Space
Choose the letter of the best answer.
1. Different types of electromagnetic waves have different wavelengths. Which of these electromagnetic
waves has the longest wavelength?
A. x-rays
B. radio waves
C. gamma rays
D. ultraviolet light
2. In 2007, University of Florida scientists discovered that microwaves could be used to sterilize sponges.
Sponges used in kitchens and bathrooms carry bacteria that can cause disease. The researchers found that
exposing the sponges in a microwave oven for 2 minutes killed these bacteria. What can you conclude from
this information?
A. All electromagnetic waves are dangerous.
B. Large amounts of radiation can cause problems.
C. Some type of electromagnetic radiation can be useful.
D. Microwave ovens emit gamma rays that can kill bacteria.
3. The world’s largest infrared telescope is located in Hawaii. Which type of electromagnetic radiation does
this telescope collect?
A. wavelengths that are shorter than visible light
B. wavelengths that are longer than radio waves
C. wavelengths that are shorter than gamma rays
D. wavelengths that are longer than ultraviolet light
4. Not all electromagnetic waves can be detected by the human eye. Which of these choices is an example of
this type of electromagnetic wave?
A. red light
B. blue light
C. violet light
D. ultraviolet light
5. In 1984, Lansat 5 was launched into space. This satellite is still operating today and has produced over
700,000 images. These images contain red, blue, and green wavelengths of light. These wavelengths were
produced by the sunlight that bounced off Earth’s surface. What type of electromagnetic radiation does
Lansat 5 use to produce these images?
A. visible light
B. radio waves
C. gamma rays
D. ultraviolet light
6. Different types of telescopes, such as gamma-ray detectors and radio telescopes, are used in space science.
What is the reason for this?
A. Different types of telescopes are needed to detect visible light.
B. Different types of telescopes are needed to measure the wavelengths of radiation.
C. Different types of telescopes are needed to collect data from different ranges of radiation.
D. Different types of telescopes are needed to observe the same part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
7. Florida’s nickname is “The Sunshine State.” Which type of electromagnetic wave can be harmful to
Floridians when considering the state’s nickname?
A. x-rays
B. visible light
C. gamma rays
D. ultraviolet radiation
8. The Florida Space Grant Consortium is a group of Florida universities and colleges that work together to
support space research and education. NASA provides funding for the Florida Space Grant Consortium.
The graph below shows how NASA funds were allocated in 2007.
Based on the graph, what can you conclude about how NASA funds are used to support the Florida Space
Grant Consortium?
A. Most of the money is spent on research.
B. Most of the money is spent on higher education.
C. Most of the money is spent on administrative costs.
D. Most of the money is spent on the general public.
9. The circle graph below shows the different industries involved in aerospace in Florida.
Based on the graph, about what fraction of Floridians employed in the aerospace industry in 2007 worked
in guided missiles and space vehicles?
A. about one-tenth
B. about one-fifth
C. about one-fourth
D. about one-third