8.8A : Level 1 Vocabulary

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small celestial body that orbits the sun, composed of ice, dust, and rocky material. When near the sun, it develops a glowing coma and a tail due to the sublimation of its icy components.

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What is an asteroid?

Back

An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They are remnants from the early solar system.

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What is a galaxy?

Back

A galaxy is a massive system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter, bound together by gravity. The Milky Way is an example of a galaxy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

A meteorite is a solid fragment of a meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface of the Earth.

Front

What is a star?

Back

A star is a luminous celestial body made of plasma, primarily hydrogen and helium, undergoing nuclear fusion to produce light and heat. The sun is the closest star to Earth.

Front

What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid?

Back

The main difference is that comets are composed mainly of ice and dust, while asteroids are primarily made of rock and metal. Comets develop tails when they approach the sun.

Front

What is the significance of the asteroid belt?

Back

The asteroid belt is significant as it contains numerous asteroids that are remnants from the early solar system, providing insights into its formation and evolution.

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How do stars form?

Back

Stars form from clouds of gas and dust in space, known as nebulae. Under the influence of gravity, these materials collapse and heat up, eventually leading to nuclear fusion.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Front

What is the lifecycle of a star?

Back

The lifecycle of a star includes stages such as stellar nebula, main sequence, red giant, and ultimately, depending on its mass, it may become a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion that occurs at the end of a star's life cycle, often resulting in the formation of neutron stars or black holes.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3