Earth Science New York State Regents Review - Part 1

Introduction

• Presenter: Donnie Rudansky
• Course: Earth Science New York State Regents by Regents Made Simpler
• Importance of familiarity with the 16-page reference table as many questions are based on it.

Reference Table Overview

Key Equations on Page 1

• Rate of Change:

  • Formula: Change in value over time.
  • Example: Calculate temperature change from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Calculation: From 24°C to 15°C over 6 hours = 1.5°C per hour.

• Density:

  • Formula: Density = Mass / Volume.
  • Example: 22 grams in 5 cubic cm = 4.4 g/cm³.

The Universe and Big Bang Theory

• Origin: Universe began 14 billion years ago with the Big Bang.
• Hydrogen Atoms: First atoms forming stars and galaxies.

Gravity and Nuclear Fusion

• Gravity: The force causing hydrogen atoms to cluster and form stars through nuclear fusion.
• Nuclear Fusion: Process where hydrogen atoms collide to form stars.

Galaxies

• Formed by clusters of stars.
• Types:
  • Spiral, Irregular, Elliptical.

Evidence for Big Bang

• Cosmic Background Radiation: Residual radiation from the Big Bang.
• Doppler Effect: Redshift in galaxies indicating expansion.

Life Cycle of Stars

• Characteristics:
  • Luminosity, Surface Temperature, Color.
• Stages:
  • Main Sequence, Giant/Supergiant, White Dwarf, Neutron Star, Black Hole.

Our Solar System

Formation

• Formed 4.6 billion years ago.
• Heliocentric Model: Planets orbit around the Sun, not Earth.

Planets

• Terrestrial Planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars (rocky, higher density).
• Jovian Planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune (gas giants, lower density).
• Asteroid Belt: Between Mars and Jupiter.

Eccentricity and Orbits

• Planets have elliptical orbits, affecting speed of revolution.
• Eccentricity: Measure of how much an orbit deviates from a circle.

Earth's Rotation and Revolution

Evidence for Earth's Motion

• Revolution:

  • Different constellations visible throughout the year.
  • Seasonal changes due to Earth's orbit around the Sun.

• Rotation:

  • Foucault Pendulum: Evidence of Earth rotating on its axis.
  • Coriolis Effect: Wind patterns due to Earth’s rotation.

Earth's Seasons

Causes of Seasons

• Axial Tilt: Earth is tilted at 23.5°.
• Sun’s rays: Angle and duration of insolation affects temperature.

Seasonal Changes

• Winter Solstice: December 21st, Northern Hemisphere tilted away.
• Spring Equinox: March 21st, rays hit directly at the equator.
• Summer Solstice: June 21st, Northern Hemisphere tilted towards the Sun.
• Fall Equinox: September 21st, rays hit directly at the equator.

Conclusion

• Course Details: Available for $89, covering simplified review and video explanations.
• Additional Offerings: Includes visuals from past Regents exams.

For more information, visit Regents Made Simpler.