Solar System Formation

Front

What process created the planetesimals (the young version of our planets)?

Back

Accretion of particles in the solar nebula.

Front

What do we call planets that are in the process of forming through accretion?

Back

Planetesimals.

Front

How does gravity work according to the theory of general relativity?

Back

Massive objects warp space-time around them.

Front

Where would you expect to find a planet that is small, dense, and rocky?

Back

Close to the sun.

Front

What is the solar nebula?

Back

A cloud of gas and dust from which the solar system formed.

Front

What role does the sun play in the solar system?

Back

The sun's gravitational pull keeps the planets in orbit.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Front

What are the two main types of planets in our solar system?

Back

Terrestrial (rocky) and gas giants.

Front

What is accretion in the context of solar system formation?

Back

The process by which particles clump together to form larger bodies.

Front

What is a protoplanet?

Back

A large body of matter in orbit around the sun that is in the process of becoming a planet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Front

What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

Back

Asteroids are rocky bodies, while comets are icy bodies that release gas and dust.