Scale Properties of the Solar System Study Guide

Front

What type of planets are Jupiter and Saturn?

Back

Gas Giants

Front

As a planet gets further away from the Sun, what should happen to its surface temperature?

Back

It should get colder because there is less heat from the Sun.

Front

The earth and the moon have been in orbit for billions of years. What two forces have to be balanced to keep them in orbit?

Back

Inertia & gravity

Front

How does the Sun's gravitational pull on Venus compare to its pull on Earth?

Back

It is stronger because Venus is closer to the Sun than Earth.

Front

How are the four planets closest to the Sun more like each other than they are to the outer planets? 

Back

All four planets are dense, relatively small, & have rocky surfaces.

Front

What is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere?

Back

Nitrogen

Front

Why does Mercury have the greatest temperature range than any other planet in our solar system?

Back

It does not have an atmosphere.

Front

Which planet is sometimes called "Earth's twin."  

Back

Venus

Front

Which planets to not have a solid surface?

Back

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, & Neptune

Front

What force keeps the giant planets' gases from escaping?

Back

Gravity