Unit 5.1: Components of the Solar System

Front

What is a bright streak of light that results when a meteoroid burns up in Earth's atmosphere?

Back

Meteor

Front

What is a region of the solar system that starts just beyond the orbit of Neptune and contains dwarf planets and other small bodies made mostly of ice?

Back

Kuiper belt

Front

How is the rotation at the equator of a star different from the rotation at the poles of the star?

Back

The equator rotates more rapidly than the poles.

Front

What is a celestial body that orbits the sun, is round because of its own gravity, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbital path?

Back

Planet

Front

What is a celestial body that revolves around a body that is greater in mass than itself and is a natural satellite?

Back

Moon

Front

What is the name of the region of space that contains many small icy bodies and is located far beyond the orbit of Neptune?

Back

Oort cloud

Front

What is the term for a small rocky body that travels through space and can become a meteor when it enters Earth's atmosphere?

Back

Meteoroid

Front

What is the main difference between a planet and a dwarf planet?

Back

A planet has cleared its orbital path, while a dwarf planet has not.

Front

What is the largest planet in our solar system?

Back

Jupiter

Front

What is the term for the path that a celestial body follows as it orbits another body in space?

Back

Orbit