4th Quarter Practice Assessment

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Quizzes Created: 17 | Total Attempts: 202,636

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1/55 Questions

Are inner planets smaller or larger than the outer planets?
- Smaller
- Larger
- Some are smaller and some are larger
- No one knows

About This Quiz

Taking this practice assessment is a great way to study for the assessment and see what you have learned and what you still need to review.

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2.

The sun is a
- Super nova
- Just a sun
- Planet
- Star
- Chicken
Correct Answer

A. Star

Explanation

The sun is a star because it is a massive, luminous sphere of plasma held together by its own gravity. It emits light and heat due to nuclear reactions occurring at its core. The sun's characteristics, such as its size, temperature, and composition, align with those of other stars in the universe. Additionally, the sun is located at the center of our solar system, providing light and energy to the planets orbiting around it.

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3.

One rotation is equal to
- One hour
- One day
- One month
- One year
- One decade
Correct Answer

A. One day

Explanation

The given options represent different units of time. One rotation refers to the complete cycle of the Earth's rotation on its axis. This cycle takes approximately 24 hours, which is equivalent to one day. Therefore, the correct answer is one day.

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4.

Comets are made of
- Rock
- Metal
- Ice, gas and dust
- Cheese
- Fire
Correct Answer

A. Ice, gas and dust

Explanation

Comets are celestial objects that consist of a combination of ice, gas, and dust. These components make up the nucleus of a comet, which is the solid core of the comet. The ice in comets is primarily composed of water ice, along with other volatile substances such as carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia. As a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, releasing gas and dust particles that form a glowing coma and a tail. Therefore, the correct answer is ice, gas, and dust.

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5.

The layer of the sun we can only see during a solar eclipse is called the
- Core
- Corona
- Convective zone
- Solar flare
- Photosphere
Correct Answer

A. Corona

Explanation

During a solar eclipse, the moon blocks the bright light emitted by the photosphere, the visible surface of the sun. This allows us to see the outer layer of the sun called the corona. The corona is a faint, pearly white outer atmosphere of the sun that extends millions of kilometers into space. It is composed of extremely hot ionized gases and is only visible during a total solar eclipse or with specialized instruments. The corona is an important area of study as it plays a significant role in the sun's magnetic field and solar wind.

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6.

One revolution is equal to
- One hour
- One day
- One month
- One year
- One decade
Correct Answer

A. One year

Explanation

One revolution refers to the completion of a full orbit or rotation. In the context of the question, it is referring to the Earth's revolution around the Sun. It takes approximately one year for the Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun.

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7.

Galaxies that have no shape are called _________________ galaxies.
- Spiral
- Irregular
- Elliptical
- Spherical
- Twirl
Correct Answer

A. Irregular

Explanation

Galaxies that have no specific shape or structure are referred to as irregular galaxies. Unlike spiral or elliptical galaxies, irregular galaxies lack a distinct and organized form. They often exhibit chaotic and asymmetrical features, making them unique and unpredictable in their appearance.

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8.

Asteroids orbit between
- The sun and Mercury
- Earth and Mars
- Mars and Jupiter
- Jupiter and Saturn
- Saturn and Uranus
Correct Answer

A. Mars and Jupiter

Explanation

Asteroids orbit between Mars and Jupiter. This region of space is known as the asteroid belt, which is located between the orbits of these two planets. The asteroid belt is composed of numerous small rocky objects that orbit the sun. These asteroids are remnants from the early formation of the solar system and did not accrete into a planet due to the strong gravitational influence of Jupiter.

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9.

The Earth's seasons are caused by
- The tilt of the earth
- Our distance from the sun
- The location of the earth
- The location of the moon
Correct Answer

A. The tilt of the earth

Explanation

The Earth's seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth. The Earth is tilted on its axis at an angle of about 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, resulting in the changing seasons. When a hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, it experiences summer, while the opposite hemisphere experiences winter. As the Earth orbits the sun, the tilt causes the amount of sunlight to change, leading to the transition of seasons. The distance from the sun, the location of the Earth, and the location of the moon do not directly affect the Earth's seasons.

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10.

Tides are caused mostly by
- The solar wind
- The Coriolis effect
- The moon's gravitational pull
- The sun's gravitational pull
- Wind
Correct Answer

A. The moon's gravitational pull

Explanation

Tides are primarily caused by the moon's gravitational pull. The moon's gravitational force creates a tidal bulge on the side of the Earth closest to the moon and another bulge on the opposite side. As the Earth rotates, these bulges cause the water levels to rise and fall, resulting in the regular pattern of tides. While other factors like the sun's gravitational pull and the Coriolis effect also have some influence on tides, the moon's gravitational pull is the main driving force behind this natural phenomenon.

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11.

Gravity is
- The force that attracts objects together
- The force that pulls objects apart
- The magnetism of the Earth
- The magnetism of the sun
Correct Answer

A. The force that attracts objects together

Explanation

Gravity is the force that attracts objects together. This force is responsible for the phenomenon of objects falling towards the Earth's surface when dropped. It is a fundamental force of nature that exists between any two objects with mass. The greater the mass of an object, the stronger its gravitational pull. Gravity is what keeps planets in orbit around the sun and holds galaxies together. It is a universal force that is constantly acting on all objects in the universe.

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12.

Cool, dark spots on the sun's surface are called
- Prominences
- Solar flares
- Sun spots
- Coronal mass ejections
- Pleges
Correct Answer

A. Sun spots

Explanation

Sun spots are cool, dark spots on the sun's surface. They are caused by magnetic activity on the sun, which inhibits the flow of heat and creates cooler areas. Sun spots are typically darker than the surrounding area because they are cooler, but they are still extremely hot. These spots can vary in size and can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Sun spots are important to study as they can provide valuable information about the sun's magnetic field and its effects on space weather.

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13.

Do the inner planets have a gassy or rocky surface?
- Gassy
- Rocky
- Some are gassy and some are rocky
- No one knows
Correct Answer

A. Rocky

Explanation

The correct answer is rocky because the inner planets, namely Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, are composed mainly of solid materials such as rock and metal. These planets have a solid surface with varying compositions and characteristics. They lack the thick atmospheres that the outer gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn possess.

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14.

The name of the moon's phase when none of the moon is visible is called
- Nothing
- Full moon
- New moon
- No moon
Correct Answer

A. New moon

Explanation

The correct answer is "new moon". During a new moon, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, causing the side of the moon that faces the Earth to be completely dark. This means that none of the moon is visible from Earth during this phase.

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15.

Galaxies shaped like a pinwheel are called _________________ galaxies.
- Spiral
- Irregular
- Elliptical
- Spherical
- Twirl
Correct Answer

A. Spiral

Explanation

Galaxies shaped like a pinwheel are called spiral galaxies. These galaxies have a distinct spiral structure, with arms that extend from a central bulge. They are characterized by their rotating disk-like shape, with stars, gas, and dust concentrated in the arms. Spiral galaxies are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe and are believed to be formed through the gravitational interaction of matter.

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16.

This picture is of a(n)
- Lunar eclipse
- Solar flare
- Solar eclipse
- Annular eclipse
Correct Answer

A. Solar eclipse

Explanation

The correct answer is solar eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sunlight and casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. In the picture, we can see the moon partially covering the sun, indicating a solar eclipse. A lunar eclipse, on the other hand, occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, causing the moon to darken. A solar flare is a sudden and intense release of energy from the sun's surface. An annular eclipse is a type of solar eclipse where the moon appears smaller than the sun, leaving a ring of sunlight visible.

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17.

Are inner planets warmer than outer planets?
- Yes
- No
Correct Answer

A. Yes

Explanation

Inner planets are closer to the sun compared to outer planets. As a result, they receive more direct sunlight and therefore experience higher temperatures. This makes inner planets warmer than outer planets.

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18.

A comet's tail
- Always points towards Earth
- Always points towards the sun
- Always points away from the Earth
- Always points away from the sun
- Points random directions
Correct Answer

A. Always points away from the sun

Explanation

Comet's tails are formed by the solar wind, which consists of charged particles emitted by the sun. As the solar wind pushes against the comet's nucleus, it causes the tail to form and always points away from the sun. This is due to the pressure exerted on the comet's nucleus by the solar wind, causing the tail to stream away in the opposite direction. Therefore, the correct answer is that a comet's tail always points away from the sun.

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19.

If the northern hemisphere was experiencing fall than the southern hemisphere would be experiencing:
- Summer
- Spring
- Winter
- Fall
Correct Answer

A. Spring

Explanation

If the northern hemisphere is experiencing fall, it means that the tilt of the Earth's axis is causing the northern hemisphere to be tilted away from the sun. In contrast, the southern hemisphere would be tilted towards the sun, resulting in more direct sunlight and warmer temperatures. This corresponds to the season of spring, where the weather is typically mild and temperatures start to rise after winter.

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20.

Galaxies that look like a flattened ball are called _________________ galaxies.
- Spiral
- Irregular
- Elliptical
- Spherical
- Twirl
Correct Answer

A. Elliptical

Explanation

Galaxies that have a flattened ball shape are known as elliptical galaxies. These galaxies have a smooth and elongated appearance, resembling an ellipse rather than a spiral or irregular shape. The term "elliptical" refers to the shape of these galaxies, indicating that they have a more rounded and flattened structure compared to other types of galaxies.

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21.

The spinning of a planet on its axis is called
- Twirl
- Ellipse
- Revolution
- Orbit
- Rotation
Correct Answer

A. Rotation

Explanation

Rotation refers to the spinning of a planet on its axis. It is the movement of a celestial body around its own axis, causing day and night to occur. This term is commonly used to describe the movement of planets, including Earth, as they spin on their axis. The other options, such as twirl, ellipse, revolution, and orbit, do not accurately describe the specific movement of a planet on its axis.

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22.

The order for a solar eclipse would be:
- Moon, sun, earth
- Sun, moon, earth
- Sun, earth, moon
- Earth, sun, moon
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. Sun, moon, earth

Explanation

During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the earth, causing the sun to be temporarily blocked or obscured. Therefore, the correct order for a solar eclipse would be sun, moon, earth.

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23.

Low tide occurs
- The same time each day
- Once a day
- Twice a day
- Three times a day
- Four times a day
Correct Answer

A. Twice a day

Explanation

Low tide occurs twice a day. This is due to the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun on the Earth's oceans. The gravitational pull causes the water to bulge towards the moon, creating a high tide on the side of the Earth facing the moon, and a second high tide on the opposite side. The areas in between experience low tide. As the Earth rotates, different coastal areas experience high and low tides at different times, resulting in two low tides occurring each day.

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24.

If the sun were a tennis ball, than the Earth would be
- A base ball
- A golf ball
- A marble
- A pencil eraser
- A grain of sand
Correct Answer

A. A grain of sand

Explanation

If the sun were a tennis ball, the Earth would be a grain of sand. This analogy suggests that the sun is much larger than the Earth, just as a tennis ball is much larger than a grain of sand. It highlights the vast difference in size between the two objects, emphasizing the immense size of the sun compared to the relatively tiny Earth.

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25.

About how many galaxies are there?
- Less than 100
- Hundreds
- Thousands
- Millions
- Billions
Correct Answer

A. Billions

Explanation

There are billions of galaxies in the universe. This answer is supported by scientific observations and studies conducted by astronomers. The vastness of the universe and the sheer number of stars and celestial bodies within each galaxy contribute to the estimation of billions of galaxies. The exact number is difficult to determine due to the limitations of current technology and our understanding of the universe, but it is widely accepted that there are billions of galaxies out there.

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26.

Our galaxy is:
- A twirl galaxy called the swirl galaxy
- A spiral galaxy called the milky way galaxy
- An elliptical galaxy called the milky way galaxy
- An elliptical galaxy called the swirl galaxy
- A spiral galaxy called the swirl galaxy
Correct Answer

A. A spiral galaxy called the milky way galaxy

Explanation

The correct answer is a spiral galaxy called the Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy, meaning it has a distinct spiral structure with arms of stars and dust. It is named the Milky Way because it appears as a milky band of light in the night sky.

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27.

How many stars are there in our solar system
- One
- Around ten
- Thousands
- Millions
- Billions
Correct Answer

A. One

Explanation

The correct answer is "one" because our solar system consists of only one star, which is the Sun. While there are many other celestial bodies such as planets, moons, asteroids, and comets in our solar system, there is only one star at its center.

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28.

What phase is this a picture of?
- Waxing gibbous
- Waxing crescent
- Waning gibbous
- Waning crescent
Correct Answer

A. Waxing gibbous

Explanation

The picture is of a phase where more than half of the moon is illuminated, but it is not yet a full moon. This phase is known as a waxing gibbous.

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29.

The inner-most layer of the sun, where all of its energy is produced is the
- Photosphere
- Radiation zone
- Corona
- Core
- Convective zone
Correct Answer

A. Core

Explanation

The core of the sun is the inner-most layer where all of its energy is produced through nuclear fusion. This is where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. The core is extremely hot and dense, with temperatures reaching millions of degrees Celsius. It is the source of the sun's heat and light, and without it, the sun would not be able to sustain its energy output.

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30.

The moon appears to move through the sky because of the
- Moon's rotation
- Moon's revolution
- Earth's rotation
- Earth's revolution
- Sun's position
Correct Answer

A. Earth's rotation

Explanation

The moon appears to move through the sky because of the Earth's rotation. As the Earth spins on its axis, it creates the illusion that the moon is moving across the sky. In reality, the moon is actually orbiting around the Earth, but the Earth's rotation gives the appearance of the moon's movement. This is why we see the moon rise in the east and set in the west, just like the sun and other celestial bodies.

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31.

In what possition can none of the moon's lighted side be seen?
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct Answer

A. A

Explanation

None of the moon's lighted side can be seen in position A because in this position, the Earth is directly between the moon and the sun. This causes the moon's lighted side to face away from the Earth, making it impossible to see any of the moon's lighted side.

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32.

Diameter tells you about a sphere's
- Color
- Mass
- Weight
- Size
Correct Answer

A. Size

Explanation

The diameter of a sphere refers to the length of a straight line passing through the center and connecting two points on the surface. It is a measurement of the sphere's size, indicating how large or small it is. The color, mass, and weight of a sphere are unrelated to its diameter and do not provide information about its size. Therefore, the correct answer is size.

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33.

High tide occurs
- Only on the side of the Earth facing the moon
- On the side of the Earth facing the moon and on the opposite side
- At the same time each day
- The side of the Earth facing the sun and on the opposite side
- Only on the side of the Earth facing the sun
Correct Answer

A. On the side of the Earth facing the moon and on the opposite side

Explanation

High tide occurs on the side of the Earth facing the moon and on the opposite side because of the gravitational pull exerted by the moon. The moon's gravity attracts the water on the Earth's surface, causing a bulge of water on the side facing the moon. At the same time, the moon's gravity also pulls the Earth away from the water on the opposite side, creating another bulge. These two bulges of water result in high tides occurring on both sides of the Earth simultaneously.

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34.

What phase is the moon in at letter C
- Full moon
- New moon
- 3rd quarter
- 1st quarter
Correct Answer

A. Full moon

Explanation

The correct answer is full moon because at this phase, the entire illuminated side of the moon is facing the Earth, making it appear as a complete circle. This phase occurs when the moon is directly opposite the sun in the sky, with the Earth in between.

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35.

What phase is this a picture of?
- Waxing gibbous
- Waxing crescent
- Waning gibbous
- Waning crescent
Correct Answer

A. Waning gibbous

Explanation

The picture is of a phase where more than half of the moon is illuminated, but it is starting to decrease. This phase is known as the waning gibbous phase.

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36.

What phase is this a picture of?
- Waxing gibbous
- Waxing crescent
- Waning gibbous
- Waning crescent
Correct Answer

A. Waxing crescent

Explanation

This picture shows a phase of the moon where only a small crescent of the moon is visible, and it is getting larger. This phase is known as the waxing crescent.

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37.

A meteor is located
- In space
- On the sun
- In the atmosphere
- On the Earth's surface
Correct Answer

A. In the atmosphere

Explanation

The correct answer is "in the atmosphere" because a meteor is a space rock or debris that enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up upon entry due to friction with the air molecules. This burning creates the bright streak of light that we see in the night sky, known as a shooting star. Therefore, a meteor is not located in space, on the sun, or on the Earth's surface, but rather in the atmosphere during its brief existence.

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38.

What type of tides are shown in this picture?
- Neap tides
- Spring tides
- Autumnal tides
- Leap tides
Correct Answer

A. Spring tides

Explanation

The picture shows a high tide that is significantly higher than the low tide. This indicates that the tides are caused by the combined gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon, creating a greater difference between high and low tides. This phenomenon is known as spring tides. Neap tides occur when the Sun and the Moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in smaller tidal range. Autumnal tides and leap tides are not recognized terms in the context of tidal patterns.

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39.

When the Earth is neither tilted towards nor away from the sun, the season is either
- Spring or winter
- Summer or fall
- Spring or summer
- Winter or summer
- Spring or fall
Correct Answer

A. Spring or fall

Explanation

When the Earth is neither tilted towards nor away from the sun, it is in a position called equinox. During the equinox, the sun is directly above the equator, resulting in equal lengths of day and night. This occurs twice a year, once in March (spring equinox) and once in September (fall equinox). Therefore, when the Earth is in this position, the season can either be spring or fall.

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40.

About how many times larger is Jupiter than Neptune? Neptune's diameter is 49,528 and Jupiter's diameter is 142,984.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Correct Answer

A. 3

Explanation

Jupiter's diameter is approximately 2.88 times larger than Neptune's diameter. This can be calculated by dividing Jupiter's diameter (142,984) by Neptune's diameter (49,528). The result is 2.88, which is rounded to 3. Therefore, Jupiter is about 3 times larger than Neptune.

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41.

A meteorite is located
- In space
- On the sun
- In the atmosphere
- On the Earth's surface
Correct Answer

A. On the Earth's surface

Explanation

A meteorite is a piece of rock or metal that has fallen to the Earth's surface from outer space. Therefore, it is located on the Earth's surface.

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42.

Meteoroids are _____________ than asteroids
- Heavier
- Rounder
- Smaller
- Larger
- More metallic
Correct Answer

A. Smaller

Explanation

Meteoroids are smaller than asteroids because meteoroids are small rocky or metallic objects that are significantly smaller in size compared to asteroids. While asteroids can range in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter, meteoroids are typically only a few meters in size or smaller. Therefore, meteoroids are generally smaller than asteroids.

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43.

A meteoroid is located
- In space
- On the sun
- In the atmosphere
- On the Earth's surface
Correct Answer

A. In space

Explanation

A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic object that is located in space. It is typically smaller than an asteroid and can range in size from a grain of sand to a few meters in diameter. Meteoroids are often remnants of comets or asteroids that have broken apart. They can travel through space until they enter a planet's atmosphere, at which point they are called meteors. Therefore, the correct answer is "in space."

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44.

The order for a lunar eclipse would be:
- Moon, sun, earth
- Sun, moon, earth
- Sun, earth, moon
- Earth, sun, moon
- None of the above
Correct Answer

A. Sun, earth, moon

Explanation

In a lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to pass through the Earth's shadow. Therefore, the correct order for a lunar eclipse is sun, earth, moon.

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45.

A shooting star that streaks across the sky is really a
- Comet
- Asteroid
- Meteoroid
- Meteor
- Meteorite
Correct Answer

A. Meteor

Explanation

A shooting star that streaks across the sky is actually a meteor. Meteors are small particles or fragments of rock and dust that enter Earth's atmosphere from space. As they travel through the atmosphere, they heat up and produce a bright streak of light, commonly known as a shooting star. Once the meteor reaches the Earth's surface, it is then referred to as a meteorite. Comets, asteroids, and meteoroids are also celestial objects, but they have different characteristics and behaviors compared to meteors.

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46.

Put the items in order from largest to smallest.
- Universe, solar system, galaxy
- Solar system, universe, galaxy
- Universe, galaxy, solar system
- Galaxy, universe, solar system
- Galaxy, solar system, universe
Correct Answer

A. Universe, galaxy, solar system

Explanation

The correct order of the items from largest to smallest is universe, galaxy, and solar system. The universe is the largest entity, consisting of billions of galaxies. A galaxy is a large system of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity. Within a galaxy, there are smaller structures called solar systems, which consist of a star and its orbiting planets. Therefore, the correct order is universe, galaxy, and solar system.

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47.

At the center of our solar system is
- The moon
- Earth
- A galaxy
- A black hole
- A star
Correct Answer

A. A star

Explanation

The correct answer is a star. The center of our solar system is occupied by the Sun, which is a star. It is the largest and most massive object in our solar system, providing heat, light, and energy to all the planets, including Earth. The Sun's gravitational pull keeps the planets in orbit around it, making it the central and most important celestial body in our solar system.

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48.

What season is the northern hemisphere experiencing in A?
- Winter
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
Correct Answer

A. Summer

Explanation

The northern hemisphere is experiencing summer in A because the question is asking about the season in the northern hemisphere, and the correct answer is summer.

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49.

After the full moon, the next of the four main moon phases would be
- New moon
- No moon
- First quarter
- Last (3rd) quarter
Correct Answer

A. Last (3rd) quarter

Explanation

The correct answer is last (3rd) quarter because after the full moon, the moon starts to wane or decrease in illumination. The last quarter phase occurs when the moon is half-lit and appears as a half-circle in the sky. This phase is also known as the third quarter because it marks the completion of three-quarters of the lunar cycle.

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