Asteroid Belt

How many asteroids do scientists believe exists in the solar system?

• Between 10,000 and 50,000

• Between 5000,000 and 750,000

• Between 750,000 and 1 million

• More than 1 million

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

If you wanted to find an asteroid with a telescope, where would be the best place to look?

• Between Mars and Jupiter

• Between Earth and Venus

• Between Jupiter and Saturn

• Between Mercury and Venus

In the phrase "Most asteroids are irregular in shape," what is the best synonym for "irregular?"

• Lopsided

• Polygonal

• Spherical

• Similar

What do asteroids have in common with Earth?

• They have oxygen-rich atmosphere

• They rotate around a central axis

• Many of them contain liquid water

• They're made mostly of magnesium

How old are asteroids compared to the rest of the solar system?

• They're much older than the rest of the solar system

• They're older than the sun, by younger than the planets

• They're about the same age as the rest of the solar system

• They're much younger than the rest of the solar system

Which of these terms describes the makeup of most asteroids?

• Rocky

• Gaseous

• Liquid

• Metallic

What's the main reason that scientists study asteroids?

• Because there is a good chance they may destroy the planet

• Because they may provide a good source of water in the future

• Because they contain rare elements not found on Earth

• To better understand of the origins of the solar system

Why do asteroids burn up as they enter Earth's atmosphere?

• The oxygen trapped inside them ignites in the presence of nitrogen

• Because they are covered in an extremely flammable material

• Heat is created by friction between the asteroid and the atmosphere

• The sun's UV rays ignite them when they pass through the ozone layer

What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

• Meteors burn up in the earth's atmosphere; meteorites strike the earth.

• Meteors are found throughout the solar system; meteorites are found only in the asteroids belt.

• Meteors are similar to comets; meteorites are similar to dwarf planets.

• Meteors are much larger than meteorites.

How is Ceres different from all the other asteroids in the solar system?

• It has a satellite revolving around it

• It rotates on its axis

• It revolves around the sun

• It's much larger than all other asteroids