Solar System Test Review

Which of the following series summarizes the components of the solar system, from the center of the solar system outward?

• sun, outer planets, inner planets
• outer planets, inner planets, sun
• inner planets, sun, outer planets
• sun, inner planets, outer planets

A student drew a model of the early stages of the formation of the solar system is which it changes form a spinning nebula to a spinning, flattened disc. Which observation can the student use as evidence to support his model?

• all planets revolve around the sun in the same direction
• Earth and Venus rotate on the axis in the opposite direction
• the orbital paths of the planets are all opposite of the directional force of the sun

Which statement correctly describes a difference in our solar systems inner planets and outer planets due to gravitational effects?

• the inner planets are larger
• the outer planets have more moons
• the inner planets are more spread apart
• the outer planets all have rocky surfaces

In order for a space shuttle to leave Earth, it must produce a great amount of thrust. Its rocket boosters create this thrusting force by burning great amounts of fuel. It circles Earth while gravity pulls it toward the Earth. What term describes the motion of the shuttle around the earth?

• Orbit
• Gravity
• Inertia
• Weight

Which method of data gathering can provide evidence of the formation of the solar system?

• Use of spaceships during the formation of the solar system
• sending teams of astronauts to each planet to gather samples from planets
• sending astronauts to visit the sun and gather samples and record measurements
• observations of other stars and supernovas experiencing collisions and other movements.

Which unit is used to describe the distances between planets?

• Miles
• speed of light
• kilometers
• astronomical units

Students are studying the solar system. They are using the following table to analyze the similarities and difference among the planets. Select the correct answer.

• The largest planets are made of gases
• Mars and Earth are very close to each other in size
• Saturn and Uranus are about the same distance from the sun.
• Compared with other planets in the solar system, Earth has the strongest gravitational force.

Students are studying the solar system. They are using the following table to analyze the similarities and difference among the planets. Select the correct answer.

• The planets closer to the sun are relatively small compared with the planets farther from the sun.

• Mars and Earth are very close to each other in size
• Saturn and Uranus are about the same distance from the sun.
• Compared with other planets in the solar system, Earth has the strongest gravitational force.

Identify which planet would have the strongest gravitational field based on its mass. (Refer to table above)

• Jupiter
• Mercury
• Venus
• Earth
• Mars

Imagine a planet that exists about halfway between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Predict the orbital velocity of the planet compared with those of Jupiter and Mars. (Refer to table above)

• between 10-13 km per second
• between 13-24 km per second
• between 24-30 km per second
• between 35-48 km per second