Solar System Assessment Noel Pd 8
Solar system assessment bank
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Scientists believe that solar system formed from part of a nebula of gas, ice, and dust.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that scientists believe the solar system formed from a nebula of gas, ice, and dust. This theory is widely accepted and supported by evidence such as the composition of planets and the presence of similar nebulae in other star systems. The process of gravitational collapse and subsequent formation of the sun and planets is believed to have occurred approximately 4.6 billion years ago.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The heavily cratered planet closest to the Sun is Pluto
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is incorrect. Pluto is not the planet closest to the Sun. In fact, Pluto is no longer considered a planet by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The planet closest to the Sun is Mercury, which is heavily cratered due to its proximity to the Sun and its lack of atmosphere to protect it from impacts.Rate this question:
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- 3.
On Mars, the third planet from the Sun, water exists as a solid, liquid, and gas
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
This statement is false because Mars is not the third planet from the Sun, but rather the fourth. Additionally, while there is evidence of water on Mars, it primarily exists as ice and not as a liquid or gas due to the planet's low atmospheric pressure and temperature. Therefore, the correct answer is false.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The atmosphere on Mars is much thinner than Earth's.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because Mars has a much thinner atmosphere compared to Earth. The atmospheric pressure on Mars is about 0.6% of Earth's, which means the air density is significantly lower. This thin atmosphere makes it impossible for humans to breathe without the aid of specialized equipment. The lack of a thick atmosphere also contributes to the extreme temperatures on Mars, as it cannot retain heat as effectively as Earth's atmosphere. Additionally, the thin atmosphere on Mars allows more harmful radiation from the sun to reach the surface, making it less hospitable for life as we know it.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The largest gaseous planet, Uranus, has more than 61 moons.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Uranus is not the largest gaseous planet; that title belongs to Jupiter. Uranus has 27 known moons, not more than 61. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The solar system consists of eight planets and many smaller objects that orbit the sun.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because the solar system indeed consists of eight planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) along with numerous smaller objects such as asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets. These objects all orbit the sun, which is the central star of our solar system.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Venus, will most likely to be the first planet humans will try to inhabit other than Earth.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that Venus will most likely be the first planet humans will try to inhabit other than Earth. However, this is incorrect. Scientists and researchers have shown more interest in exploring and potentially inhabiting Mars rather than Venus. Mars has been the focus of numerous space missions and has been studied extensively for its potential to support human life in the future. Therefore, the correct answer is false.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Saturn is a large, gaseous planet with the lowest density and at least 47 moons
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Saturn is indeed a large, gaseous planet with the lowest density among all the planets in our solar system. It is well-known for its iconic rings and has a total of at least 47 confirmed moons. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Mercury is the second planet from the Sun, with moon like phases and a surface heat of over 450 degrees caused by the greenhouse effect.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The explanation for the answer being False is that although Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, it is not the second planet from the Sun. Venus is the second planet from the Sun. Additionally, Mercury does not have moon-like phases. It does not have any moons at all. While it is true that the surface of Mercury can reach extremely high temperatures, the greenhouse effect does not play a significant role in causing this heat.Rate this question:
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- 10.
One astronomical unit is the average distance between Earth and the Sun.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because one astronomical unit (AU) is defined as the average distance between the Earth and the Sun. It is used as a standard unit of measurement in astronomy to describe distances within the solar system. The actual distance varies slightly throughout the year due to the elliptical shape of Earth's orbit, but on average, it is about 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A comet is a meteoroid that strikes Earth.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
A comet is not a meteoroid that strikes Earth. Comets are celestial objects composed of ice, dust, and rocky particles that orbit the Sun. When a comet gets close to the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and a tail. While meteoroids are small rocky or metallic objects that travel through space, comets are distinct from them. Therefore, the statement that a comet is a meteoroid that strikes Earth is false.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Jupiter is the reddish-yellow planet with polar ice caps and is the fourth planet from the Sun.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is incorrect because Jupiter is not the fourth planet from the Sun. It is actually the fifth planet from the Sun.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A large, blue-green, gaseous planet similar to Uranus is Neptune.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Neptune is indeed a large, blue-green, gaseous planet similar to Uranus. It is the eighth and farthest known planet from the Sun in the Solar System. Like Uranus, it is classified as an ice giant, composed mostly of hydrogen, helium, and methane. Neptune's blue-green color is due to the presence of methane in its atmosphere, which absorbs red light and reflects blue light. Therefore, the statement "A large, blue-green, gaseous planet similar to Uranus is Neptune" is true.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The outer 4 planets are Mars, Earth, Venus, and Mercury.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The outer planets in our solar system are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Mars, Earth, Venus, and Mercury are considered inner planets.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Of the 8 planets we studied in class, the outermost planet of the solar system is Neptune.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Neptune is the outermost planet of the solar system. It is located beyond Uranus and is known for its beautiful blue color. It is the eighth and farthest known planet from the Sun. Its distance from the Sun makes it the outermost planet in our solar system, hence the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The inner planets are Pluto, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn and Jupiter.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is incorrect. The inner planets of our solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Pluto, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Jupiter are not considered inner planets.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The planet with the lowest density and hundreds of thin rings is ____________.
- A.
Jupiter
- B.
Saturn
- C.
Venus
- D.
Neptune
Correct Answer
B. SaturnExplanation
Saturn is the correct answer because it is known for having the lowest density among the given options. It is also famous for its hundreds of thin rings, which are made up of ice particles and debris. Jupiter is not the correct answer as it does not have a significant ring system like Saturn. Venus and Neptune are also not the correct answers as they do not have rings at all. Therefore, Saturn is the only planet that fits the description of having low density and hundreds of thin rings.Rate this question:
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- 18.
In the early 1600's, Johannes Kepler discovered that the shape of the planets orbits are _____________.
- A.
Parabolic
- B.
Circular
- C.
Elliptical
- D.
Spherical
Correct Answer
C. EllipticalExplanation
Johannes Kepler discovered in the early 1600s that the shape of the planets' orbits is elliptical. This means that the planets do not follow a perfect circle in their paths around the sun, but rather an elongated shape called an ellipse. This discovery was a significant breakthrough in understanding the motion of celestial bodies and laid the foundation for Kepler's laws of planetary motion.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A planet that is very hot due to the greenhouse effect and has sulfuric acid clouds is __________.
- A.
Mars
- B.
Venus
- C.
Mercury
- D.
Earth
Correct Answer
B. VenusExplanation
Venus is the correct answer because it is known for its extreme heat caused by the greenhouse effect. The thick atmosphere of Venus traps heat, resulting in surface temperatures hot enough to melt lead. Additionally, Venus is also characterized by its dense sulfuric acid clouds, which contribute to its hostile environment. Mars, Mercury, and Earth do not exhibit the same extreme conditions as Venus, making them incorrect options.Rate this question:
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- 20.
_________ has an axis of rotation nearly parallel to the plane of its orbit.
- A.
Mars's
- B.
Uranus
- C.
Mercury's
- D.
Earth's
Correct Answer
B. UranusExplanation
Uranus has an axis of rotation nearly parallel to the plane of its orbit. This means that the axis around which Uranus rotates is tilted at a significant angle compared to its orbit around the Sun. This unique characteristic of Uranus causes extreme seasonal variations and gives it a distinct appearance. Unlike most planets, which have an axis of rotation that is roughly perpendicular to the plane of their orbit, Uranus stands out with its highly tilted axis.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Two planets with similar mass and size are _______.
- A.
Mercury and Jupiter
- B.
Saturn and Neptune
- C.
Earth and Pluto
- D.
Venus and Earth
Correct Answer
D. Venus and EarthExplanation
Venus and Earth are two planets with similar mass and size. Both planets are rocky terrestrial planets, with Venus being slightly smaller in size and mass compared to Earth. They have similar compositions, atmospheres, and geological features. Additionally, they are located in the inner region of the solar system, closer to the Sun compared to the gas giants like Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune. Therefore, Venus and Earth can be considered as two planets with similar mass and size.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The planet that averages 150 million km or one AU, from the Sun is _____.
- A.
Mars
- B.
Jupiter
- C.
Mercury
- D.
Earth
Correct Answer
D. EarthExplanation
Earth is the correct answer because it is the planet that is located at an average distance of 150 million km or one astronomical unit (AU) from the Sun. Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury are not located at this specific distance from the Sun.Rate this question:
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- 23.
______________ is the largest moon in the solar system.
- A.
Callisto
- B.
Ganymede
- C.
Earth's Moon
- D.
Io
Correct Answer
B. GanymedeExplanation
Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system. It has a diameter of about 5,268 kilometers, making it even larger than the planet Mercury. Ganymede is one of Jupiter's moons and is larger than Earth's Moon, Callisto, and Io. It is known for its icy surface and its subsurface ocean, which makes it an interesting target for scientific exploration.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The largest known volcano in the solar system is Olympus Mons and can be found on the planet ________.
- A.
Mars
- B.
Jupiter
- C.
Mercury
- D.
Venus
Correct Answer
A. MarsExplanation
Olympus Mons is the largest known volcano in the solar system. It is a shield volcano located on the planet Mars.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The smallest planet and the one closest to the Sun __________.
- A.
Mars
- B.
Venus
- C.
Mercury
- D.
Jupiter
Correct Answer
C. MercuryExplanation
Mercury is the correct answer because it is the smallest planet in our solar system and also the one closest to the Sun. It is named after the Roman messenger god, known for his speed, which reflects Mercury's fast orbit around the Sun. Mars, Venus, and Jupiter are not the correct answers as they are not the smallest or closest planet to the Sun.Rate this question:
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- 26.
__________ is called the "red planet" due to iron oxide in the soil on the surface.
- A.
Mercury
- B.
Jupiter
- C.
Uranus
- D.
Mars
Correct Answer
D. MarsExplanation
Mars is called the "red planet" due to iron oxide in the soil on its surface. Iron oxide, also known as rust, gives the soil a reddish color, which is visible from Earth. This distinctive feature of Mars has led to its nickname as the "red planet".Rate this question:
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- 27.
The largest of _____________ moons, Titan, is larger than the planet Mercury
- A.
Neptune's
- B.
Pluto's
- C.
Uranus's
- D.
Saturn's
Correct Answer
D. Saturn'sExplanation
Saturn's moons include Titan, which is larger than the planet Mercury.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The Great Red Spot is a continuous storm of swirling high pressure gas in the atmosphere of ________________.
- A.
Saturn
- B.
Uranus
- C.
Jupiter
- D.
Neptune
Correct Answer
C. JupiterExplanation
The Great Red Spot is a well-known feature of Jupiter's atmosphere. It is a massive storm that has been observed for centuries and is characterized by its swirling high-pressure gas. The storm is so large that it could fit multiple Earths inside it. This distinctive feature is not present on any other planet in our solar system, making Jupiter the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Methane gives ___________ their blue-green color.
- A.
Mars and Earth
- B.
Uranus and Neptune
- C.
Saturn and Jupiter
- D.
Neptune and Venus
Correct Answer
B. Uranus and NeptuneExplanation
Methane gives Uranus and Neptune their blue-green color. Methane is a gas that is present in the atmospheres of both Uranus and Neptune. When sunlight interacts with methane molecules in their atmospheres, it absorbs the red light and reflects the blue and green light, giving these planets their distinct blue-green color. This phenomenon is known as Rayleigh scattering.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The solid center portion of a comet is called its _____________.
- A.
Coma
- B.
Core
- C.
Heart
- D.
Nucleus
Correct Answer
D. NucleusExplanation
The solid center portion of a comet is called its nucleus. The nucleus is the core of the comet, consisting of ice, dust, and rocky material. It is the densest part of the comet and is responsible for the formation of the coma and tail when it gets closer to the Sun. The nucleus contains volatile substances that vaporize as the comet approaches the Sun, creating a glowing coma around it.Rate this question:
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- 31.
A bright cloud of gases around the nucleus of a comet is known as the ____________.
- A.
Coma
- B.
Core
- C.
Heart
- D.
Nucleus
Correct Answer
A. ComaExplanation
A bright cloud of gases around the nucleus of a comet is known as the coma. The coma is formed as the heat from the Sun causes the icy nucleus of the comet to vaporize, releasing gases and dust into space. These gases and dust form a glowing cloud around the nucleus, creating the coma. The coma is often visible from Earth and can extend for thousands of kilometers.Rate this question:
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- 32.
__________ are small pieces of dust and rock moving through space.
- A.
Comets
- B.
Meteors
- C.
Meteoroids
- D.
Meteorites
Correct Answer
C. MeteoroidsExplanation
Meteoroids are small pieces of dust and rock moving through space. Comets are icy bodies that also contain dust and rock, but they are different from meteoroids as they have a tail when they approach the sun. Meteors are meteoroids that enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up, creating a streak of light in the sky. Meteorites are the remnants of meteoroids that survive the journey through the atmosphere and land on Earth's surface. Therefore, the correct answer is meteoroids.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Two of the inner planets are ____________.
- A.
Mars and Jupiter
- B.
Mercury and Mars
- C.
Earth and Saturn
- D.
Uranus and Neptune
Correct Answer
B. Mercury and MarsExplanation
The correct answer is Mercury and Mars because they are two of the inner planets in our solar system. The inner planets, also known as the terrestrial planets, are the ones that are closest to the Sun. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. Both planets are rocky and have similar characteristics, such as a solid surface and a thin atmosphere.Rate this question:
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- 34.
The dwarf planet least like its neighbor Neptune is ________________.
- A.
Neptune
- B.
Pluto
- C.
Uranus
- D.
Saturn
Correct Answer
B. PlutoExplanation
Pluto is the correct answer because it is the only option that is classified as a dwarf planet, while the other options (Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn) are all classified as gas giants. Therefore, Pluto is the least like its neighbor Neptune in terms of its classification and physical characteristics.Rate this question:
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- 35.
_________ published the Sun-centered model of the solar system in 1543.
- A.
Kepler
- B.
Magellan
- C.
Copernicus
- D.
Galileo
Correct Answer
C. CopernicusExplanation
Copernicus published the Sun-centered model of the solar system in 1543. This model, known as the heliocentric model, proposed that the Sun is at the center of the solar system, with the planets including Earth orbiting around it. This was a significant departure from the prevailing geocentric model, which placed Earth at the center of the universe. Copernicus' work laid the foundation for our modern understanding of the solar system and revolutionized our view of the cosmos. Kepler, Magellan, and Galileo were also notable figures in the field of astronomy, but they did not publish the Sun-centered model.Rate this question:
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- 36.
When small pieces of rock moving through space enter Earth's atmosphere and completely burn-up they are called __________.
- A.
Comets
- B.
Meteors
- C.
Meteorites
- D.
Asteroids
Correct Answer
B. MeteorsExplanation
When small pieces of rock moving through space enter Earth's atmosphere, they experience intense heat and friction, causing them to burn up completely before reaching the surface. These burning rocks are known as meteors. Comets are icy bodies that also enter Earth's atmosphere, but they usually survive the journey and may be visible as bright streaks with a tail. Meteorites, on the other hand, are meteors that manage to reach the Earth's surface without completely burning up. Asteroids are larger rocky bodies that orbit the Sun and can also enter Earth's atmosphere, but they are not specifically referred to as meteors.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Pieces of rock that actually strike Earth's surface are called ____________.
- A.
Meteoroids
- B.
Comets
- C.
Meteors
- D.
Meteorites
Correct Answer
D. MeteoritesExplanation
Pieces of rock that actually strike Earth's surface are called meteorites. Meteoroids are small rocky or metallic objects that orbit the Sun, Comets are icy bodies that also orbit the Sun, and Meteors are meteoroids that burn up upon entering Earth's atmosphere. Only meteorites survive the atmospheric entry and reach the Earth's surface.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Most asteroids are located in an area between the orbits of __________________.
- A.
Earth and Mars
- B.
Jupiter and Saturn
- C.
Mars and Jupiter
- D.
Mercury and Venus
Correct Answer
C. Mars and JupiterExplanation
Most asteroids are located in an area between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This region is known as the asteroid belt and is characterized by a large number of small rocky objects orbiting the Sun. The gravitational forces exerted by Mars and Jupiter help to trap these asteroids in this region, preventing them from either falling into the inner planets or being ejected from the solar system.Rate this question:
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- 39.
Scientists theorize that the asteroid belt did not form a planet because____________.
- A.
Jupiter's gravity kept it from forming
- B.
Some of the particles were too large
- C.
It was too rocky
- D.
Some of the particles moved too slowly
Correct Answer
A. Jupiter's gravity kept it from formingExplanation
The correct answer is "Jupiter's gravity kept it from forming." Scientists believe that the gravitational pull of Jupiter disrupted the process of planet formation in the asteroid belt. Jupiter's strong gravity prevented the particles in the belt from coming together and forming a planet. Instead, the gravitational forces from Jupiter caused the particles to remain scattered and prevented them from coalescing into a larger celestial body.Rate this question:
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- 40.
The largest planet in the solar system is _______________?
- A.
Jupiter
- B.
Saturn
- C.
Neptune
- D.
Uranus
Correct Answer
A. JupiterExplanation
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. It has a diameter of about 86,881 miles, more than 11 times the diameter of Earth. Its mass is also significantly greater than any other planet, making it the most massive planet in our solar system. Jupiter's size is due to its composition, primarily consisting of hydrogen and helium gases. Its immense size and strong gravitational pull have a significant impact on the other planets and objects in the solar system.Rate this question:
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- 41.
In 1989, Voyager 2 discovered a storm called the Great Dark Spot about the size of earth with windspeeds higher than on any other planet in the solar system. The Great Dark Spot is found on the smallest of the gas giants called ________________________.
- A.
Neptune
- B.
Mars
- C.
Venus
- D.
Saturn
Correct Answer
A. NeptuneExplanation
In 1989, Voyager 2 discovered a storm called the Great Dark Spot about the size of earth with windspeeds higher than on any other planet in the solar system. This suggests that the Great Dark Spot is found on Neptune, as Neptune is known to have a storm system similar to Jupiter's Great Red Spot.Rate this question:
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- 42.
The atmosphere surrounding the 4 outer planets consists primarily of what two gases?
- A.
Hydrogen and helium
- B.
Helium and carbon dioxide
- C.
Hydrogen and carbon dioxide
- D.
Methane and carbon dioxide
Correct Answer
A. Hydrogen and heliumExplanation
The atmosphere surrounding the 4 outer planets consists primarily of hydrogen and helium. These two gases are the most abundant elements in the universe and make up the majority of the composition of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, while helium is the second most abundant. The other options, helium and carbon dioxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and methane and carbon dioxide, are not accurate because carbon dioxide and methane are not the primary gases found in the atmospheres of the outer planets.Rate this question:
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- 43.
The sun was formed as cloud fragments contracted and the temperature at the core increased to the point nuclear fusion began.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the sun was indeed formed as cloud fragments contracted. As these fragments came together, gravity caused them to collapse, leading to an increase in temperature at the core. Eventually, the temperature became high enough for nuclear fusion to occur, resulting in the formation of the sun.Rate this question:
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- 44.
Galileo supported Copernicus' sun centered model by observing the phases of ____________ with his telescope.
- A.
Venus
- B.
Mars
- C.
Jupiter
- D.
Saturn
Correct Answer
A. VenusExplanation
Galileo supported Copernicus' sun centered model by observing the phases of Venus with his telescope. This observation provided evidence for the heliocentric model, as the phases of Venus could only be explained if it revolved around the Sun. This supported Copernicus' theory that the Sun was at the center of the solar system, contradicting the prevailing geocentric model.Rate this question:
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