Chapter 1.2, Problem 10LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To find the process used by chemists to study the universe.

Concept Introduction : Chemistry is the branch of science that examines the characteristics, make-up, and structure of substances, as well as the changes they go through, and the energy released or absorbed.

Answer to Problem 10LC

Chemists collect information from afar and examine material that is returned to Earth to investigate the universe.

Explanation of Solution

According to scientists, the method employed to investigate Earth is thought to be adaptable to other objects in the universe. By examining the light that reached Earth, scientists began to investigate the make-up of stars in the early 1800s.

Since the moon and planets do not emit light, scientists must rely on samples that astronauts return to Earth with or on spacecraft that can study samples in space. More than 850 pounds of rocks that were carried back to earth have been examined by scientists. The moon's surface may have previously been covered by a large ocean of molten lava since the moon's rocks resemble those created by volcanoes on earth.

Thus, chemists collect information from afar and examine material that is returned to Earth to investigate the universe.