Unit 2 ESS Review

Front

A cloud of gas and dust in space is called a __________.

Back

nebula

Front

An early step in the formation of the planets occurred as bits of matter collided and clumped together to form _________.

Back

planetesimals

Front

Most asteroids lie between the orbits of __________.

Back

Mars and Jupiter

Front

What are Saturn's rings?

Back

Particles of ice and rock orbiting the planet.

Front

The most widely accepted hypothesis for the origin of the moon involves __________.

Back

a large planetary body hitting Earth and ejecting debris that became the moon.

Front

What is a protostar?

Back

A protostar is a young star that is still in the process of forming and has not yet begun nuclear fusion.

Front

Define planetesimals.

Back

Planetesimals are small bodies from which a planet originated in the early stages of development of the solar system.

Front

What is the asteroid belt?

Back

The asteroid belt is a region of space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter where most asteroids are found.

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion of a star, marking the end of its life cycle.

Front

Explain the process of accretion in planetary formation.

Back

Accretion is the process by which particles collide and stick together, gradually forming larger bodies like planets.