Question
The formation of these “muddy” molecules contribute to the reddish-brown color of Charon’s north pole. For 10 points each:
[10h] Name this broad class of polymer-like compounds formed from UV-light interacting with nitrogen, water, and simple organic molecules like methane or carbon dioxide, allowing them to be formed naturally in space.
ANSWER: tholins [prompt on kerogens]
[10e] Tholins have been hypothesized to be an important intermediate for the formation of biological material along with the polycyclic aromatic form of molecules made of these two elements. Benzene is composed of these two elements.
ANSWER: carbon AND hydrogen [accept hydrocarbons; accept polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons]
[10m] Complex hydrocarbons and even occasional amino acids can be found on the “carbonaceous” form of these meteorites. These meteorites often contain calcium aluminum inclusions and lack iron and nickel.
ANSWER: chondrites [or chondritic meteorites; accept carbonaceous chondrites or C chondrites]
<Chemistry>
Summary
| 2024 ACF Regionals @ JMU | 01/27/2024 | Y | 1 | 10.00 | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| 2024 ACF Regionals @ Nebraska | 01/27/2024 | Y | 6 | 11.67 | 100% | 17% | 0% |
| 2024 ACF Regionals @ Ohio State | 01/27/2024 | Y | 3 | 16.67 | 100% | 33% | 33% |
| 2024 ACF Regionals @ Imperial | 01/27/2024 | Y | 8 | 12.50 | 100% | 13% | 13% |
| 2024 ACF Regionals @ Vanderbilt | 01/27/2024 | Y | 1 | 20.00 | 100% | 0% | 100% |
| 2024 ACF Regionals @ MIT | 01/27/2024 | Y | 5 | 14.00 | 60% | 60% | 20% |