1.
What are the four inner planets?
Correct Answer
A. Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars
Explanation
The four inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are called inner planets because they are located closer to the Sun compared to the outer planets. They are also known as terrestrial planets as they are primarily composed of rock and metal. These planets have solid surfaces and are relatively small in size compared to the gas giants. Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, followed by Venus, Earth, and Mars.
2.
Six of the planets and three of the dwarf planets are orbited by natural satellites is usually called what?
Correct Answer
B. Sun
Explanation
The correct answer is Sun because the question is asking for the term used to describe the celestial object that has natural satellites orbiting around it. In this case, the Sun is being referred to as it is orbited by natural satellites such as the planets and dwarf planets.
3.
The four outer planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are called what?
Correct Answer
B. Gas planets
Explanation
The four outer planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are referred to as gas planets because they are primarily composed of gases such as hydrogen and helium. Unlike the inner rocky planets, these outer planets lack a solid surface and instead have thick atmospheres surrounding their cores. The immense size and mass of these gas giants allow them to retain their gaseous composition and exhibit unique features such as colorful bands, massive storms, and numerous moons.
4.
The sun is
Correct Answer
B. Just one of billions of stars that make up our galaxy
Explanation
The correct answer is "just one of billions of stars that make up our galaxy." This answer accurately describes the sun's position as one of many stars in our galaxy. It highlights the fact that there are numerous other stars in the galaxy and emphasizes the sun's relative insignificance in the grand scale of the universe.
5.
Which of these features makes the Earth unique among planets?
Correct Answer
C. It is the only planet that has enough oxygen in its atmospHere to sustain life
Explanation
The Earth is unique among planets because it is the only planet that has enough oxygen in its atmosphere to sustain life. This is a crucial feature that sets Earth apart from other planets in our solar system and makes it suitable for the existence and survival of various forms of life.
6.
Comets are icy masses of frozen gases and dust particles. What happens when a comet gets too close to the sun?
Correct Answer
B. The ice begins to melt, leaving a trail of gases and debris
Explanation
When a comet gets too close to the sun, the intense heat causes the ice on the surface of the comet to melt. As the ice melts, it releases gases and dust particles, creating a glowing trail behind the comet. This phenomenon is known as sublimation. The released gases and debris form a glowing coma and a tail that points away from the sun due to the solar wind.
7.
What is a meteorite?
Correct Answer
A. A chunk of comet (rock) that survives our atmospHere and falls to Earth
Explanation
A meteorite is a chunk of comet (rock) that survives our atmosphere and falls to Earth. When a comet enters Earth's atmosphere, the heat and friction cause it to burn up, creating a bright streak of light called a meteor. However, if a portion of the comet manages to withstand the intense heat and reach the Earth's surface, it is called a meteorite. Meteorites can provide valuable information about the composition and history of comets and other celestial bodies.
8.
What is the central and largest body of our solar system?
Correct Answer
D. The sun
Explanation
The correct answer is the sun. The sun is the central and largest body of our solar system. It is a star that provides heat and light to the planets in our system, including Earth. The sun's immense size and gravitational pull hold the planets in their orbits. It is made up of hot gases and is the primary source of energy for life on Earth.
9.
The fates of the sun and the Earth are linked. Which of the following explains why this statement is true?
Correct Answer
B. Without the heat and light from the sun, life on Earth will cease.
Explanation
Without the heat and light from the sun, life on Earth will cease. This is because the sun provides the energy necessary for photosynthesis, which is the process that allows plants to produce oxygen and food. Without photosynthesis, plants would not be able to survive, leading to a collapse of the entire food chain. Additionally, the sun's heat is necessary to maintain a habitable temperature on Earth. Without it, the planet would become extremely cold and inhospitable for life.
10.
Planets have elliptical orbits. This means that
Correct Answer
C. At some point of its orbit, a planet is closer to the sun.
Explanation
Planets have elliptical orbits, which means that their orbits are not perfectly round like a circle. Instead, they have a slightly elongated shape. This also implies that at some point during their orbit, a planet will be closer to the sun than at other times. The distance between the planet and the sun varies throughout its elliptical orbit, with the closest point referred to as perihelion. Therefore, the statement "at some point of its orbit, a planet is closer to the sun" is correct.