The Solar System

Front

Solar System Noun

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[soh-ler sis-tuhm]

Back

Solar System

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The system containing a star and all the matter, such as planets and asteroids, that gravitationally orbits it.

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Example: The image shows planets orbiting the Sun, illustrating the Solar System.

Front

Gravity Noun

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[grav-i-tee]

Back

Gravity

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The universal force of attraction between all objects that possess mass, holding planets in orbit around a star.

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Example: The Moon orbits Earth due to gravity, which keeps it in a circular path.

Front

Orbit Noun

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[or-bit]

Back

Orbit

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The predictable, curved path an object in space takes as it revolves around a larger object due to gravity.

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Example: The image shows the Moon's orbit around Earth, highlighting the predictable, curved path due to gravity.

Front

Star Noun

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[stahr]

Back

Star

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A massive, luminous sphere of hot gas that produces its own light and heat through thermonuclear reactions in its core.

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Example: The Sun, a star, emits light and heat, shown by arrows pointing towards Earth.

Front

Mass Noun

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[mas]

Back

Mass

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The total amount of matter or substance contained within a physical body, which determines its gravitational pull.

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Example: A balance scale shows a feather and a rock, illustrating mass differences and gravitational pull.

Front

Thermonuclear Reaction Noun

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[thur-moh-noo-klee-er ree-ak-shun]

Back

Thermonuclear Reaction

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A nuclear fusion process where atomic nuclei combine at extremely high temperatures, releasing immense amounts of energy.

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Example: Two atomic nuclei collide and fuse, releasing energy as shown by the bright light.

Front

Terrestrial Planet Noun

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[tuh-res-tree-uhl plan-it]

Back

Terrestrial Planet

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A small, dense planet with a solid, rocky surface, like the four inner planets of our solar system.

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Example: The image shows Mars' rocky surface and core, illustrating a terrestrial planet's structure.

Front

Asteroid Noun

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[as-tuh-roid]

Back

Asteroid

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A small, rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the region between Mars and Jupiter.

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Example: The image shows the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, illustrating its position in the solar system.

Front

Asteroid Belt Noun

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[as-tuh-roid belt]

Back

Asteroid Belt

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The region in space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter where the majority of asteroids are found.

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Example: The image shows the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, highlighting its position in the solar system.

Front

Gas Giant Planet Noun

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[gas jahy-uhnt plan-it]

Back

Gas Giant Planet

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A large outer planet composed mainly of hydrogen, helium, and other gases, without a solid surface.

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Example: The image shows the four gas giant planets, highlighting their gaseous composition.