8.8A : Level 2 Vocabulary

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

A piece of rock that, after traveling through the atmosphere, lands on Earth.

Front

What is a star?

Back

A ball of gas that gives off heat and light.

Front

What is a galaxy?

Back

A group of stars held together by gravity.

Front

What is the universe?

Back

The collection of all known things in space.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A ball of ice and dust that has a tail when it travels near the Sun.

Front

What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

Back

A meteor is a piece of rock or metal that burns up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere, while a meteorite is what remains after it lands on Earth.

Front

What are the main components of a star?

Back

The main components of a star are hydrogen and helium, which undergo nuclear fusion to produce energy.

Front

What role do galaxies play in the universe?

Back

Galaxies are the fundamental building blocks of the universe, containing stars, gas, dust, and dark matter.

Front

How do comets develop tails?

Back

Comets develop tails when they approach the Sun, causing the ice to vaporize and release gas and dust, which are pushed away by solar wind.

Front

What is the significance of the Big Bang theory?

Back

The Big Bang theory explains the origin of the universe, suggesting it began as a singularity and has been expanding ever since.