Gravity and Solar System

An object that orbits the Sun, has a spherical shape, and has mass greater than the mass of other objects near it is a(n)

• star

• planet

• asteroid

• comet

What keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?

• the Sun's mass

• the Sun's period of rotation

• the Sun's gravitational force

• the Sun's color

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

The planets in the solar system are so far apart that scientists measure the distances between them in

• miles (mi)

• kilometers (km)

• astronomical units (AU)

• inches (in)

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

All the inner planets

• have at least one moon.

• have thick atmospheres.

• are rocky and have a solid outer layer.

• are large.

All the outer planets are made mostly of

• water ice.

• metal and rock.

• gas and liquid around the solid core.

• a rocky surface.

Which planet is the solar system's largest?

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Neptune

• Uranus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

The majority of asteroids are found in a belt located between which two planets?

• Earth and Mars

• Mars and Venus

• Mars and Jupiter

• Jupiter and Saturn

The force of gravitational attraction between the Sun and Venus could be increased by reducing which of the following?

• The distance between the Sun and Venus

• the period of rotation of the Sun

• The mass of the Sun and Venus

• The speed of the orbit of Venus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which of the following is a complete list of the inner planets?

• Venus, Earth, Mars, and Jupiter

• Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars

• Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune

• Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Jupiter

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

A person on Pluto’s surface would experience a(n) _______ gravitational force compared to on Earth.

• weaker, because Pluto is further from the Sun.

• weaker, because Pluto has more less than the Earth.

• equal, because both planets orbit the Sun.

• stronger, because Pluto's surface is closer to its core.