Unit 4 - Solar System

Front

What are the outer planets called?

Back

Gas giants.

Front

How are the inner planets classified?

Back

Terrestrial planets (made of solid rock).

Front

What would happen to the planets if gravity was 'shut off'?

Back

They would travel in a straight line.

Front

What is step two of the formation of the solar system?

Back

Gravity pulled gas and dust toward the center of the disk, forming the sun.

Front

What is a meteor?

Back

Pieces of asteroids that are burning up in Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What is the main component of the solar system?

Back

The Sun.

Front

Name the four terrestrial planets in our solar system.

Back

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars.

Front

What are the main characteristics of gas giants?

Back

They are large, have thick atmospheres, and are mostly made of hydrogen and helium.

Front

What is the asteroid belt?

Back

A region of space between Mars and Jupiter where many asteroids are found.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A small icy body that, when passing close to the Sun, heats up and begins to release gases, forming a tail.