L1 The Structure of the Solar System

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

• star

• planet

• asteroid

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?

• the Sun’s mass

• the Sun’s period of rotation

• the Sun’s gravitational force

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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.

• kilometers.

• astronomical units.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

the time it takes an object to spin once

• period of rotation

• period of revolution

the time it takes an object to travel around the Sun

• period of rotation

• period of revolution

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

spherical objects made mainly of solid, rocky materials

• inner planets

• outer planets

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

large spherical objects made primarily of the gases hydrogen and helium

• inner planets

• outer planets

What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid?

• Asteroids are made of rock and ice.

• Asteroids drift through space while comets travel in a stable orbit.

• Comets have a visible tail.

• Comets have solid iron cores.

Which distinguishes a dwarf planet from a planet?

• mass

• the object it revolves around

• shape

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun between Mars and Jupiter

• comets

• stars

• asteroids

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3