MS-ESS1-3: Solar System Scale

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Protoplanet Noun

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[pro-toh-plan-it]

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Protoplanet

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A large, developing celestial body in orbit around a star, which is in the process of forming into a planet.

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Example: The image shows a protoplanetary disk with labeled rings and clumps, illustrating protoplanet formation.

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Core Noun

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[kor]

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Core

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The central, innermost part of a celestial body, which is often composed of dense materials like iron and nickel.

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Example: The image shows Earth's layers, highlighting the core as the innermost part, composed of dense materials.

Front

Density Noun

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[den-si-tee]

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Density

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The measure of mass per unit of volume, which indicates how tightly packed the material in an object is.

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Example: A balance scale with a feather and a rock shows how density affects weight for the same volume.

Front

Plate Tectonics Noun

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[pleyt tek-ton-iks]

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Plate Tectonics

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The scientific theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into large, moving plates that cause major geological activity.

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Example: The image shows tectonic plates moving apart, causing a volcanic eruption, illustrating plate tectonics.

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Magnetosphere Noun

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[mag-nee-toh-sfeer]

Back

Magnetosphere

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The region of space surrounding a celestial body where its magnetic field is the dominant force, offering protection.

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Example: Earth's magnetic field lines deflect solar wind, showing the magnetosphere's protective role.

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Gravity Noun

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[grav-i-tee]

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Gravity

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The universal force of attraction that acts between all objects with mass, keeping planets in orbit and moons nearby.

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Example: An apple falling from a tree shows gravity pulling it toward the ground.

Front

Escape Velocity Noun

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[ih-skeyp vuh-los-i-tee]

Back

Escape Velocity

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The minimum speed an object must have to break free from the gravitational pull of a particular planet or moon.

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Example: A rocket must reach a certain speed to escape Earth's gravity, shown by a speedometer.

Front

Tides Noun

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[tydz]

Back

Tides

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The regular rise and fall of large bodies of water, primarily caused by the Moon's gravitational pull on Earth.

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Example: The image shows how the Moon's gravitational pull causes high and low tides on Earth.

Front

Tidal Locking Noun

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[ty-dl lok-ing]

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Tidal Locking

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A state where a celestial body's rotation period perfectly matches its orbital period around another, more massive body.

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Example: The Moon's rotation period matches its orbit around Earth, showing tidal locking.

Front

Synchronous Rotation Noun

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[sing-kruh-nuhs roh-tey-shuhn]

Back

Synchronous Rotation

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The result of tidal locking, where a body rotates on its axis in the same time it orbits another.

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Example: The Moon rotates on its axis in the same time it takes to orbit Earth, showing synchronous rotation.