Formative Assessment 1 - The Earth as a Unique Planet

1.      The Earth is the only planet in the solar system that supports life. Which of the following best explains the statement?

• The Earth is exposed to the sun’s rays.

• The Earth has only one moon that orbits around it.

• The Earth rotates in its axis.

• The Earth has breathable atmosphere.

How does the giant planet Jupiter help in sustaining life on Earth?

• It protects the Earth from solar flares.

• It stabilizes the Earth’s rotation.

• Its gravitational pull prevents asteroids from entering the Earth.

• It shields the Earth from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation

Why is life NOT possible to exist in a planet with a very low temperature?

• Protein, Carbohydrates, and DNA will start to break apart

• It will cause the quick evaporation of water

• It has insufficient gravity

• It causes chemicals to react slowly

What is the main reason why Mars doesn’t hold a significant atmosphere?

• Orbital period

• Size of the planet

• Distance from the sun

• Rotational speed

Below are the unique properties of the Earth, EXCEPT:

• Strong magnetic field.

• Scarce amount of liquid water.

• Presence of the moon.

• Located in the Goldilocks zone.

How does the core help in sustaining life on our planet?

• It creates magnetic field that protects living things from cosmic rays.

• It regulates the temperature inside the earth.

• It facilitates the formation of magma.

• It supplies the people with enough iron to fight common diseases.

How does Earth differ from its twin planet Venus?

• Earth has a medium-layered atmosphere while Venus has a thin atmosphere

• Earth has a lower surface temperature than Venus.

• Earth’s distance from the sun is nearer compared to Venus.

• Earth is bigger in radius than Venus.

What is a Goldilocks zone?

• It is the area that receives most of the heat and light coming from the sun.

• It is the area that has the strongest magnetic field.

• It is the area that has the strongest gravitational pull.

• It is the area that receives enough energy to allow water to exist as a liquid on its surface.

What is the role of the moon in making Earth as the only planet to sustain life?

• It causes extreme temperatures.

• It causes very high and low tides.

• It causes stability of the Earth’s rotation.

• It causes irregular days and nights.

Why are big bright stars less likely to have habitable planets than smaller stars?

• they are too long lived

• they are short lived and run out of hydrogen fuel quickly

• they are too bright

• they do not produce enough heat