Solar System Study Guide

What effect does this arrangement have on the tidal range?

• The tide is larger than normal because the gravitational forces of the sun and moon pull in the same direction.

• The tide is larger than normal because the gravitational forces of the sun and moon pull in opposite directions.

• The tide is smaller than normal because the gravitational forces of the sun and moon pull in the same direction.

• The tide is smaller than normal because the gravitational forces of the sun and moon pull in opposite directions.

Planets in the solar system are in constant motion. What factor has the greatest effect on the orbits of the planets?

• the size of the planets

• gravitational pull of the Sun

• the composition of the planets

• electromagnetic radiation from the Sun

Which of the following is a direct result of Earth’s tilt on its axis?

• tides

• seasons

• weather

• gravity

When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun causing the rays of light to hit Earth at large angles, which season occurs?

• winter

• spring

• summer

• fall

When nearly vertical rays of solar energy strike a region of Earth, that area has warm temperatures. What region of Earth gets nearly vertical rays of solar energy year round?

• Equator

• Australia

• United States

• North and South Poles

Based on the diagram, which location of the Moon would MOST likely result in people being able to view a total solar eclipse?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Which of the following is a reason life in the outermost planets is less likely than life on planets nearer the Sun?

• They have too little mass.

• They have too much mass.

• Their surfaces are extremely hot.

• Their surfaces are extremely cold.

Which of these provide the BEST evidence that life could develop on Mars?

• its atmospheric gases

• its surface temperatures

• its craters and rocky surface

• its ice and organic molecules

Which pair would be MOST necessary for life to develop on another planet?

• sulfur and nitrogen

• helium and hydrogen

• liquid water and carbon

• chlorophyll and oxygen

Which of the following helps keep the Moon in its orbit?

• friction

• gravity

• longitude

• latitude