Unit 3 flashcard

Front

What is the direction of a planet moving counterclockwise in its orbit?

Back

Counterclockwise is the standard direction for most planets in our solar system.

Front

At which position will a planet moving counterclockwise be increasing speed?

Back

At position P4.

Front

What are spring tides?

Back

Spring tides occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned during new or full moons.

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Neap tides occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun form a right angle during the first and third quarters of the moon.

Front

Which planets are classified as terrestrial or inner planets?

Back

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are terrestrial planets.

Front

Which planet does not belong to the terrestrial planets?

Back

Jupiter does not belong to the terrestrial planets; it is a gas giant.

Front

What are the two equinoxes when day and night are approximately equal?

Back

The spring equinox and the fall equinox.

Front

What happens during the solstices?

Back

During the summer solstice, the day is longest; during the winter solstice, the day is shortest.

Front

What does Kepler's 1st Law state about planetary orbits?

Back

Kepler's 1st Law states that the orbits of planets are elliptical.

Front

What is the significance of the perihelion and aphelion in planetary orbits?

Back

Perihelion is the closest point to the Sun, and aphelion is the farthest point from the Sun in a planet's orbit.