The Mystery Of Mars

Approved & Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team
The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Mriley100
M
Mriley100
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 45 | Total Attempts: 29,062
Questions: 15 | Attempts: 475

SettingsSettingsSettings
The Mystery Of Mars Quizzes & Trivia

Mars is considered the only planet other than the earth that can sustain life. The pathfinder opened avenues for exploring the red planet. How much did you get to learn about what could be man’s second home from this interesting book by Sally Ride? Take the quiz below to find out. Have fun!


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which of these landers carried Sojourner?

    • A.

      Viking 1

    • B.

      Viking 2

    • C.

      Pathfinder

    Correct Answer
    C. Pathfinder
    Explanation
    Pathfinder carried Sojourner.

    Rate this question:

  • 2. 

    On Earth, carbon dioxide and oxygen are

    • A.

      Forms of water

    • B.

      Both gases

    • C.

      Kinds of dirt

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    How is life on Earth protected from the extreme conditons in space?

    • A.

      LIfe on Earth is protected by the atmosphere.

    • B.

      Life on Earth is protected by the carbon dioxide and other gasses.

    • C.

      Life on Earth is protected by the moon.

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    Why did the scientists heat samples of soil from Mars?

    • A.

      They were checking if water existed on the planet.

    • B.

      They were testing if the soil could be used to grow seeds.

    • C.

      They were watching for gases that would be released if organic molecules were present.

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    How did the Sojourner move around?

    • A.

      The Sojourner moved around on flexible tripods.

    • B.

      The Sojourner moved around on six wheels that were at the end of flexible legs.

    • C.

      The Sojourner moved around on 12 wheels that were at the end of sturdy legs.

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    Why did scientists guide the Viking and the Pathfinder landers to gently rolling Martian plains?

    • A.

      They did not want to risk landing them on the edge of a cliff or the side of a volcano.

    • B.

      They were looking for evidence of water, and the plains showed some evidence.

    • C.

      They were testing the smoothness of the wheels, and the plains were more gentle.

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    What is missing from Mars that would make it livable like Earth?

    • A.

      Mars is missing it's own moon that would allow for day and night, like Earth.

    • B.

      Mars is missing the correct gravitational pull from the sun, that would make it a livable place.

    • C.

      Mars is missing the air and water that would make it a livable place.

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    Why would an astronaut on Mars need a spacesuit?

    • A.

      An astronaut on Mars would need a spacesuit because the air is so thin.

    • B.

      An astronaut on Mars would need a spacesuit because the air is so thick.

    • C.

      An astronaut on Mars would need a spacesuit because the atmosphere is so thick.

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    Which of these contrasts is correct?

    • A.

      Earth revolves around the sun and Mars does not.

    • B.

      Mars is a planet and Earth is not.

    • C.

      Earth has liquid water and Mars does not.

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    On Mars, water can not exist as

    • A.

      A liquid

    • B.

      An ice

    • C.

      A vapor

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    The little robot was called a "geologist." A geologist is someone who

    • A.

      Teaches others about space

    • B.

      Drives a truck for a living

    • C.

      Studies rocks and earth

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    Another experiment looked for organic molecules, the molecules that make up living things. In this sentence, organic means

    • A.

      Ancient

    • B.

      Man-made

    • C.

      With carbon

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    Scientists know that meteorites hit the Martian surface. What is a meteorite?

    • A.

      A small body that flew through space

    • B.

      A large boulder that is found on Mars

    • C.

      A colorful sunsest seen from space

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    What is interplanetary dust?

    • A.

      Dust that can only be seen at night

    • B.

      Dust that is found in space

    • C.

      Dust that is found at the center of the planets

    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.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    Earth is surrounded by an atmosphere. The earth's atmosphere is

    • A.

      A fine red layer of red dust

    • B.

      A thin layer of ice

    • C.

      A protective layer of air

    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.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Oct 03, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Mriley100
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.