1. Earth and Space Review

2. Nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are two different types of energy-releasing reactions in which energy is released from high-powered atomic bonds between the particles within the nucleus. The main difference between these two processes is that fission is the splitting of an atom into two or more smaller ones while fusion is the fusing of two or more smaller atoms into a larger one.

3. Natural occurrence of the process Fission reaction does not normally occur in nature. Fusion occurs in stars, such as the sun.

4. Nuclear Fission

5. Nuclear Fusion
Compare combustion and nuclear reactions (fusion and fission) on a conceptual level. Identify fusion as the process that produces radiant energy of stars.

6. Identify the forms of energy (electromagnetic waves) produced by the sun and how some are filtered by the atmosphere (X-rays, cosmic rays, etc.).
electromagnetic waves can travel not only through air and solid materials, but also through the vacuum of space. The terms light, electromagnetic waves, and radiation all refer to the same physical phenomenon: electromagnetic energy. This energy can be described by frequency, wavelength, or energy. All three are related mathematically such that if you know one, you can calculate the other two. Radio and microwaves are usually described in terms of frequency (Hertz), infrared and visible light in terms of wavelength (meters), and x-rays and gamma rays in terms of energy (electron volts). This is a scientific convention that allows the convenient use of units that have numbers that are neither too large nor too small.

7. Electromagnetic waves are formed by the vibrations of electric and magnetic fields. These fields are perpendicular to one another in the direction the wave is traveling. Once formed, this energy travels at the speed of light until further interaction with matter.

11. Explain the Earth’s Motion through space, including precession, nutation, the barycenter and its path about the galaxy.
Explain planetary orbits, especially that of the Earth, using Kepler’s law
Explain relative motion of the Earth in the solar system, the solar system in the galaxy, the galaxy in the universe. Including the expanding nature of the universe; orbital motion (earth around the sun – once/year, seasons depend upon an approximately 23.5 degree tilt); rotation around our axis (day/night).