Inner and Outer Planets

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What is a dwarf planet?

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A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the Sun and is similar to a planet but does not clear its orbit of other debris. An example is Pluto.

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What are terrestrial planets?

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Terrestrial planets are rocky planets that are closer to the Sun, including Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the warming of a planet's surface due to the trapping of heat by gases in the atmosphere, like carbon dioxide.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

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How does a planet's distance from the Sun affect its temperature?

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Generally, the closer a planet is to the Sun, the hotter it is, but atmospheric conditions can also significantly affect temperature.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

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What are the main characteristics of gas giants?

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Gas giants are large planets that are mostly made of gases, have thick atmospheres, and lack a solid surface. Examples include Jupiter and Saturn.

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What is the difference between inner and outer planets?

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Inner planets (terrestrial) are rocky and closer to the Sun, while outer planets (gas giants) are larger, made mostly of gas, and farther from the Sun.

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What is the orbital speed of planets?

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The speed of a planet as it orbits the Sun varies; it increases as it gets closer to the Sun and decreases as it moves away.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

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Which planet is known for its rings?

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Saturn is known for its prominent and beautiful rings made of ice and rock particles.

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What is the largest planet in our solar system?

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Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system.

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What is unique about Venus's rotation?

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Venus rotates on its axis very slowly and in the opposite direction to most planets, resulting in a day longer than its year.