Terrestrial Planets Flashcard

Front

What is a terrestrial planet?

Back

A terrestrial planet is a type of planet that is composed primarily of silicate rocks or metals and has a solid surface. Examples include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Front

Which planet has evidence that liquid water once flowed on its surface?

Back

Mars.

Front

What are the main characteristics of Mercury?

Back

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, has a very thin atmosphere, experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, and has a surface covered with craters.

Front

What is the atmosphere of Venus primarily composed of?

Back

The atmosphere of Venus is primarily composed of carbon dioxide, with clouds of sulfuric acid.

Front

How does the temperature on Venus compare to that on Earth?

Back

Venus has a much higher average temperature than Earth, due to a thick atmosphere that traps heat, making it the hottest planet in the solar system.

Front

What is a significant feature of Mars' surface?

Back

Mars has the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons, and features like valleys, deserts, and polar ice caps.

Front

What is the main reason for the extreme temperatures on Mercury?

Back

Mercury's lack of a significant atmosphere allows it to experience extreme temperature changes between day and night.

Front

What similarities do Venus and Earth share?

Back

Venus and Earth are similar in size and density, which is why Venus is often referred to as Earth's 'sister planet'.

Front

What is a global dust storm?

Back

A global dust storm is a weather phenomenon on Mars where dust is lifted into the atmosphere, reducing visibility and affecting temperatures.

Front

What is the significance of water on Mars?

Back

The presence of water, in the form of ice or evidence of past liquid water, suggests that Mars may have once had conditions suitable for life.