Solar System

Front

What holds the objects in the solar system in orbit?

Back

The gravitational force of the Sun

Answer explanation

The gravitational force of the Sun is what keeps the objects in the solar system in orbit. It pulls planets, asteroids, and comets towards it, maintaining their paths around the Sun.

Front

Which of the following is not a characteristic of dwarf planets? A) They orbit the sun, B) They are moons, C) They have less mass than objects around them

Back

They are moons

Answer explanation

Dwarf planets are not moons; they are celestial bodies that orbit the sun directly. Unlike moons, which orbit planets, dwarf planets have their own independent orbits.

Front

Asteroids are small and ______ objects.

Back

rocky

Answer explanation

Asteroids are primarily composed of rock and metal, making them rocky objects. The other options, such as gaseous and icy, do not accurately describe the typical composition of asteroids.

Front

Where do millions of asteroids orbit?

Back

Between Mars and Jupiter

Answer explanation

Millions of asteroids primarily orbit in the asteroid belt, which is located between Mars and Jupiter. This region contains a vast number of rocky bodies, making it the correct answer.

Front

Comets are composed of gas, dust, and ______.

Back

ice

Answer explanation

Comets are often referred to as "dirty snowballs" because they contain a significant amount of ice, along with gas and dust. Ice is essential for their structure and behavior, especially when they approach the Sun.

Front

Dwarf planets have less mass than objects around them.

Back

True

Answer explanation

Dwarf planets, by definition, do not have enough mass to clear their orbits of other debris, meaning they are less massive than the objects around them. Therefore, the statement is true.

Front

What is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun in astronomical units?

Back

150 million km

Answer explanation

The average distance from the Earth to the Sun is defined as 1 astronomical unit (AU), which is approximately 150 million kilometers. Therefore, the correct answer is 150 million km.

Front

An Asteroid is a:

Back

small rocky body orbiting the sun

Answer explanation

An asteroid is defined as a small rocky body that orbits the sun, distinguishing it from planets, stars, and comets. Therefore, the correct answer is 'small rocky body orbiting the sun'.

Front

What is a Comet?

Back

A celestial body made of ice, dust, and rocky particles that orbits the Sun

Answer explanation

A comet is defined as a celestial body made of ice, dust, and rocky particles that orbits the Sun. This distinguishes it from stars, planets, and satellites, which have different compositions and characteristics.

Front

An Astronomical unit is:

Back

the distance between the Earth and the Sun

Answer explanation

An Astronomical Unit (AU) is defined as the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, approximately 93 million miles. This makes the first answer choice correct, while the others refer to different distances.