1.
Which of these landers carried Sojourner?
Correct Answer
C. Pathfinder
Explanation
Pathfinder carried Sojourner.
2.
On Earth, carbon dioxide and oxygen are
Correct Answer
B. Both gases
Explanation
Carbon dioxide and oxygen are both gases found on Earth. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is produced by various natural processes and human activities, while oxygen is essential for supporting life. Both gases play important roles in the Earth's atmosphere and are involved in various chemical reactions and cycles.
3.
How is life on Earth protected from the extreme conditons in space?
Correct Answer
A. LIfe on Earth is protected by the atmosphere.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Life on Earth is protected by the atmosphere." The Earth's atmosphere acts as a protective shield, shielding the planet from harmful solar radiation, extreme temperatures, and the vacuum of space. It also helps regulate temperature, provides oxygen for respiration, and filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation. Without the atmosphere, life as we know it would not be possible on Earth.
4.
Why did the scientists heat samples of soil from Mars?
Correct Answer
C. They were watching for gases that would be released if organic molecules were present.
Explanation
The scientists heated samples of soil from Mars to observe if any gases were released. This was done to determine if organic molecules, which are the building blocks of life, were present in the soil. Organic molecules can release certain gases when heated, and detecting these gases would provide evidence of the existence of organic compounds on Mars.
5.
How did the Sojourner move around?
Correct Answer
B. The Sojourner moved around on six wheels that were at the end of flexible legs.
Explanation
The Sojourner moved around on six wheels that were at the end of flexible legs. This allowed it to navigate the rough terrain of Mars and maintain stability. The flexibility of the legs also allowed for better maneuverability and adaptation to different surface conditions.
6.
Why did scientists guide the Viking and the Pathfinder landers to gently rolling Martian plains?
Correct Answer
A. They did not want to risk landing them on the edge of a cliff or the side of a volcano.
Explanation
Scientists guided the Viking and Pathfinder landers to gently rolling Martian plains because they wanted to avoid the risk of landing them on dangerous terrains such as the edge of a cliff or the side of a volcano. By choosing the plains, they ensured a safer landing for the landers, minimizing the chances of damage or failure.
7.
What is missing from Mars that would make it livable like Earth?
Correct Answer
C. Mars is missing the air and water that would make it a livable place.
Explanation
Mars is missing the air and water that would make it a livable place. This is because air and water are essential for supporting life as we know it. Without a breathable atmosphere and liquid water, it would be impossible for humans and most other organisms to survive on Mars.
8.
Why would an astronaut on Mars need a spacesuit?
Correct Answer
A. An astronaut on Mars would need a spacesuit because the air is so thin.
Explanation
An astronaut on Mars would need a spacesuit because the air is so thin. The atmosphere on Mars is much thinner than Earth's, with only about 1% of the atmospheric pressure. This means that there is not enough oxygen for humans to breathe and the lack of pressure would cause fluids in the astronaut's body to boil. Therefore, a spacesuit is necessary to provide a controlled environment with oxygen, temperature regulation, and pressure to keep the astronaut safe and alive on Mars.
9.
Which of these contrasts is correct?
Correct Answer
C. Earth has liquid water and Mars does not.
Explanation
The correct answer is that Earth has liquid water and Mars does not. This is a valid contrast because liquid water is a key characteristic of Earth, supporting the existence of life, while Mars is known to have frozen water but not liquid water on its surface.
10.
On Mars, water can not exist as
Correct Answer
A. A liquid
Explanation
Water cannot exist as a liquid on Mars because the atmospheric pressure is too low. The low pressure causes the boiling point of water to be significantly lower than on Earth, which means that any liquid water would quickly evaporate and turn into vapor. Additionally, the extremely cold temperatures on Mars would cause any liquid water to freeze into ice. Therefore, water can only exist on Mars as either ice or vapor.
11.
The little robot was called a "geologist." A geologist is someone who
Correct Answer
C. Studies rocks and earth
Explanation
The little robot was called a "geologist" because it studies rocks and earth. Geologists are scientists who specialize in understanding the composition, structure, and history of the Earth's materials. They study rocks, minerals, and the processes that shape the Earth's surface, such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and erosion. The term "geologist" is commonly used to describe professionals who work in this field, but it can also refer to a robot designed specifically for studying rocks and earth.
12.
Another experiment looked for organic molecules, the molecules that make up living things. In this sentence, organic means
Correct Answer
C. With carbon
Explanation
The word "organic" in this sentence means "with carbon". Organic molecules are those that contain carbon atoms and are typically found in living organisms. This term distinguishes them from inorganic molecules, which do not contain carbon.
13.
Scientists know that meteorites hit the Martian surface. What is a meteorite?
Correct Answer
A. A small body that flew through space
Explanation
A meteorite is a small body that flew through space. Meteorites are remnants of asteroids or comets that have survived their journey through Earth's atmosphere and landed on the surface. They are composed of various materials such as rock, metal, and sometimes even organic compounds. Scientists study meteorites to gain insights into the formation and composition of celestial bodies, including Mars.
14.
What is interplanetary dust?
Correct Answer
B. Dust that is found in space
Explanation
Interplanetary dust refers to the dust particles that are found in space. These particles are typically remnants of comets, asteroids, or other celestial bodies. They are scattered throughout the solar system and can be found between planets, orbiting the Sun. Interplanetary dust plays a crucial role in various astronomical phenomena, such as the formation of planets and the creation of meteor showers. It is not limited to being visible only at night or being located at the center of planets.
15.
Earth is surrounded by an atmosphere. The earth's atmosphere is
Correct Answer
C. A protective layer of air
Explanation
The correct answer is a protective layer of air. The earth's atmosphere acts as a shield, protecting the planet from harmful solar radiation and providing a stable climate for life to thrive. It consists of various gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, which help regulate temperature, maintain air pressure, and support living organisms through the process of respiration. This protective layer also plays a crucial role in preventing the escape of water vapor and other essential gases into space, ensuring the sustainability of Earth's ecosystems.