Formation of Planetary Systems

Astronomers use _____ of the origin of the solar system based on current observations.

• scale drawings

• models

• experimental theories

• their knowledge

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Our solar system with 8 known major planets, asteroids & comets may or may not be

• as large as astronomers think it is.

• as full of gas & dust as other solar systems.

• correct.

• unique.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

In science, all _____ can change or become modified with new discoveries.

• theories

• knowledge

• history

• reality

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

In our solar system, all major planets lie (roughly) in the same ____ & orbit in the same ____.

• plane, direction

• direction, plane

• space, direction

• area, space

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

The fact that all of the planets orbit in the same direction as the Sun rotates indicates that

• the solar system is 5 billion years old.

• there is no such thing as retrograde motion.

• they all formed at about the same time & relative space.

• Pluto may have formed somewhere else.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Which statement best describes the terrestrial planets?

• no or very few moons; solid surfaces; moderate atmospheres

• no moons; non-solid surfaces; hot atmospheres

• many moons; solid surfaces; extreme atmospheres

• they all orbit pretty close in to the Sun

Why do terrestrial planets have high densities and solid surfaces?

• because they are made of rock

• heavier elements were blasted away by the Sun

• lighter elements were stripped away by the Sun

• no one really knows

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which statement best describes Jovian or gas giant planets?

• few moons; low densities; moderate spin rates

• many moons; thick atmospheres; rapid spin rates

• no moons; thick atmospheres; rapid spin rates

• high densities; many moons; slow spin rates

Why do Jovian planets have relatively low densities?

• their spin rates are fast

• they formed relatively close to the Sun & migrated outward

• they formed farther from the Sun & kept lighter elements

• because they have many moons to make up for it

A ____ is a cloud of gas & dust that has contracted under gravity to form a star & planets.

• nebula region

• hydrogen dust field

• solar nebula

• galaxy

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2