Unit 3 Study Guide

Front

The planets orbit around the sun because of...

Back

Gravity

Answer explanation

The planets orbit around the sun due to gravity, which is the force that attracts them towards the sun. This gravitational pull keeps the planets in their elliptical orbits.

Front

Which one does NOT belong? Mercury, Pluto, Uranus, Earth

Back

Pluto

Answer explanation

Pluto does not belong because it is classified as a dwarf planet, while Mercury, Uranus, and Earth are all considered full-fledged planets in our solar system.

Front

Why is Pluto not considered a planet anymore?

Back

Its gravity has not cleared away any other objects of a similar size near its orbit.

Answer explanation

Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet because it has not cleared its orbit of other objects. This means it does not meet the requirement that its gravity must clear away similar-sized objects near its orbit.

Front

The fastest planet that orbits the sun is...

Back

Mercury

Answer explanation

Mercury is the fastest planet orbiting the sun, completing its orbit in just 88 Earth days. Its proximity to the sun results in a higher orbital speed compared to other planets.

Front

Why does Neptune take 165 years to orbit the sun?

Back

The farther a planet is from the sun, the less gravitational force it experiences.

Answer explanation

Neptune takes 165 years to orbit the sun because it is far from the sun, resulting in less gravitational force acting on it. This lower gravitational pull means it moves more slowly in its orbit compared to closer planets.

Front

The Earth's tilt creates...

Back

Seasons

Answer explanation

The Earth's tilt is responsible for the changing seasons. As the Earth orbits the sun, different areas receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to seasonal changes.

Front

The Earth is tilted by ____ degrees.

Back

23.5

Answer explanation

The Earth is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons as it affects the angle and intensity of sunlight received at different latitudes.

Front

In the Northern Hemisphere, which month receives direct sunlight?

Back

June

Answer explanation

In the Northern Hemisphere, June is when the sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, resulting in the longest day and most direct sunlight. This makes June the correct answer.

Front

In the Southern Hemisphere, which month receives direct sunlight? Options: December, March, June, September

Back

December

Answer explanation

In the Southern Hemisphere, December is summer, and the sun is directly overhead at noon. This results in the most direct sunlight during this month, making it the correct choice.

Front

In the Northern Hemisphere, which month receives indirect sunlight?

Back

December

Answer explanation

In December, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, resulting in indirect sunlight and shorter days. This is why December is the correct answer for the month receiving indirect sunlight.