.png){kind=icon}
Question 1: Why is the ancient city of Pompeii so well-preserved?
Question 2: How long does it take for light from the Sun to reach Earth?
The distance between the Sun and Earth is approximately 93 million miles (150 million kilometers). Light travels at a speed of 299,792 kilometers per second, so it takes around 8 minutes and 20 seconds for sunlight to reach Earth.
Question 3: What is the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms?
There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The scientific study of cells is called cytology.
Question 4: When does the Indian Ocean Dipole typically have the strongest impact on Australian weather?
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) influences Australian weather patterns most significantly during the spring months. The IOD is an irregular oscillation of sea-surface temperatures between the eastern and western Indian Ocean, usually affecting Australia's rainfall, temperature, and storm activity.
Question 5: If you were attending a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, what type of tea would typically be served?
Matcha is a finely ground, bright green powdered Japanese green tea used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It comes from the same tea plant as other green teas but is prepared and consumed in a unique way.
Question 6: How many Australians died during WWI?
The First World War exacted a heavy toll on Australia, with around 62,000 deaths and a further 156,000 men being injured or taken prisoner. This took place between the years of 1914 and 1918.
Question 7: Where did the potato plant originate?
The potato plant is native to the Andes mountain region in South America, particularly in modern-day Peru and Bolivia. Potatoes were domesticated approximately 7,000 to 10,000 years ago.
Question 8: Why do we have wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, were useful for our ancestors who had a diet that consisted of tougher, uncooked food which required more chewing. As our diet and jaw structure evolved, wisdom teeth became less necessary and can often cause dental issues today.
Question 9: When a substance changes from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase, what is this process called?
Sublimation can occur under certain temperature and pressure conditions. Famous examples of substances that can go through sublimation are dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) and naphthalene (mothballs).
Question 10: What is the force that holds atomic nuclei together?
The strong nuclear force also known as the strong force or strong interaction, is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. It is about 100 times stronger than the electromagnetic force, yet acts at very short range, typically only within atomic nuclei.
Pompeii was buried by volcanic ash and pumice from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The layers of ash effectively sealed the city, preserving buildings, artifacts, and the remains of its inhabitants for over a millennium.