Solar System and Beyond: A Cosmic Quiz

What theory suggests that the Solar System formed from a giant cloud of gas and dust?

• Big Bang Theory

• Nebular Hypothesis

• Panspermia

• Steady State Theory

Which of Kepler's Laws states that planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus?

• First Law

• Second Law

• Third Law

• Law of Universal Gravitation

According to Kepler's Second Law, as a planet moves closer to the Sun in its orbit, what happens to its speed?

• It decreases

• It increases

• It remains constant

• It stops

Kepler's Third Law can be used to calculate the orbital period of a planet. What does it state?

• The square of the orbital period of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of the distance from the sun

• The orbital speed of a planet is constant.

• All planets move in perfect circles.

• The force of gravity between two objects decreases with the square of the distance between them.

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that the force of gravity between two objects:

• Increases with the square of the distance between them

• Is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them

• Is not affected by the mass of the objects

• Decreases as the mass of the objects increases

What is the primary source of the Sun's energy?

• Chemical reactions

• Nuclear fusion

• Nuclear fission

• Gravitational contraction

Which planet in the Solar System is known for its extensive ring system?

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Uranus

• Neptune

What is the largest planet in the Solar System?

• Earth

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Neptune

Which planet is known as the "Red Planet"?

• Venus

• Mars

• Jupiter

• Mercury

What type of small body in the Solar System is composed mostly of ice and dust, and has a tail when it approaches the Sun?

• Asteroid

• Comet

• Meteoroid

• Dwarf planet