#1.08 Reading - Solar System Objects

Front

What distinguishes a comet from an asteroid?

Back

Comets often have a visible tail when they get closer to the Sun, while asteroids generally do not.

Front

What is a key difference between inner rocky planets and outer gas giant planets?

Back

Outer planets are primarily composed of gases or ice, while inner planets are mostly solid rock.

Front

What are planetesimals compared to planets?

Back

Planetesimals are smaller than planets.

Front

Why do scientists use the astronomical unit (AU)?

Back

Distances measured in kilometers or miles would be very large numbers.

Front

What is the primary role of gravity in the relationship between the Sun and the planets?

Back

Gravity is the force that keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun.

Front

What are the inner planets of the solar system?

Back

The inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, which are primarily rocky.

Front

What are the outer planets of the solar system?

Back

The outer planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, which are primarily gas giants.

Front

What is the composition of a comet?

Back

Comets are made of ice, dust, and rocky material.

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteor?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rock or particle from space, while a meteor is the streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What is the Kuiper Belt?

Back

The Kuiper Belt is a region of the solar system beyond Neptune, filled with small icy bodies and dwarf planets.