1.
Which of the following is a terrestrial planet?
Correct Answer
B. Mars
Explanation
Mars is considered a terrestrial planet because it shares similar characteristics with Earth. It has a solid, rocky surface and a thin atmosphere. Terrestrial planets are also known as inner planets, which are located closer to the sun and have a higher density compared to the outer planets. In contrast, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto are gas giants or ice giants, which have a predominantly gaseous composition and lack a solid surface.
2.
Jovian planets contain a lot of which two gasses?
Correct Answer
C. Hydrogen and Helium
Explanation
Jovian planets, also known as gas giants, are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. These two gases make up the majority of their atmosphere. The immense gravity of these planets allows them to retain these light gases, resulting in their characteristic thick and gaseous composition. Nitrogen and oxygen are more commonly found in terrestrial planets like Earth, while argon and methane are present in smaller quantities in the atmospheres of some planets, but they are not the main components of Jovian planets.
3.
Which two planets are nicknamed "The Twins"?
Correct Answer
A. Uranus and Neptune
Explanation
Uranus and Neptune are nicknamed "The Twins" because they share many similarities. Both are gas giants, similar in size and composition, and have similar atmospheric features such as storms and winds. They are also located in the outer region of the solar system, beyond the asteroid belt. These similarities have led to the nickname "The Twins" for Uranus and Neptune.
4.
Which is the name of the body formed from frozen gases?
Correct Answer
D. Comet
Explanation
A comet is a body formed from frozen gases. When a comet gets close to the sun, the heat causes the gases to vaporize and create a glowing coma around the nucleus. This vaporization also creates a tail that points away from the sun due to solar wind. Comets are often referred to as "dirty snowballs" because they are made up of ice, dust, and other organic compounds. They usually have highly elliptical orbits and can be seen from Earth as they pass by.
5.
Which two planets are not in the same orbital plane?
Correct Answer
A. Mercury and Pluto
Explanation
Mercury and Pluto are the two planets that are not in the same orbital plane. This means that their orbits around the Sun are not on the same flat plane as the other planets. While the other options in the question are incorrect, it is important to note that Pluto is no longer considered a planet by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and is classified as a dwarf planet.
6.
The most obvious features of the Moon are...
Correct Answer
C. Craters
Explanation
The most obvious features of the Moon are its craters. Craters are circular depressions on the Moon's surface that are formed by the impact of meteoroids or asteroids. These craters vary in size and shape, with some being shallow and others being deep. They are easily visible from Earth and give the Moon its distinctive appearance. The presence of craters is a result of the Moon's lack of atmosphere, which allows objects to strike its surface without burning up. The study of these craters provides valuable information about the Moon's history and the impact events that have shaped its surface over billions of years.
7.
Which is NOT part of a comet or its orbit?
Correct Answer
B. Occultation
Explanation
Occultation is not part of a comet or its orbit. Occultation refers to the phenomenon where a celestial object is hidden by another object passing in front of it. It is not directly related to comets or their orbits. On the other hand, the coma is the glowing cloud of gas and dust surrounding the nucleus of a comet, solar wind is the stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun, and radiation pressure is the force exerted by electromagnetic radiation on an object.
8.
The tail of a Comet points away from the Sun.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Comets are celestial bodies composed of ice, dust, and rocky material. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma (a cloud of gas and dust) around the nucleus of the comet. The pressure from the solar wind pushes the coma and forms a tail that always points away from the Sun. Therefore, the statement "The tail of a Comet points away from the Sun" is true.