Testing Review: Planets and Solar System Unit 3

Josleen divided some of the planets into two main groups. Which two categories did Josleen most likely use to group the planets?

• planets and dwarf planets

• with moons and without moons

• orbit the sun and orbit other bodies

• small diameters and large diameters

It is difficult to see the surface of Venus through a telescope. Which feature of Venus best explains why its surface is difficult to observe from Earth?

• It is surrounded by thick clouds

• It is covered completely by water

• It is too far from Earth to be seen

• It does not produce light of its own

Why is the sun considered to be the center of the solar system?

• It is closer to Earth than other stars

• The sun produces light and energy

• The sun is the largest object that can be seen

• Everything in the solar system revolves around the sun

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Paul created a poster showing the solar system. Which of these details in Paul’s poster is most accurate?

• the order of the planets

• the number of moons shown

• the distances between the planets

• the sizes of the planets and the sun

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Ganymede is a moon of Jupiter. It is larger than Mercury and has a metallic core similar to Earth’s core. Which of these statements best explains why Ganymede is classified as a moon rather than a planet?

• It is too large to be called a planet

• It orbits Jupiter instead of the sun

• Its properties are different from Jupiter

• It is farther from the sun than Mercury

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Wanda often looks through her telescope at the details of different bodies in our solar system. What skill is Wanda using?

• observing

• concluding

• experimenting

• hypothesizing

Crewless spaceships are sent to investigate deep space and transmit their findings back to Earth. Many carry cameras that take detailed pictures. What is the name for these types of space vehicles?

• constellations

• space probes

• satellites

• space stations

Our solar system consists of eight planets. What is a planet?

• many stars held together

• a rock fragment in space

• a large object in space that revolves around a star in its own orbit

• a large object in space that is composed of gases and gives off light

It is important to understand the appropriate times, places, and methods to make observations of space bodies, such as the sun. Which claim explains why you should never look directly at the sun through a telescope, binoculars, or just your eyes?

• Its strong light can damage your vision

• It is dangerous to observe such a hot space body

• You cannot make observations of something just by looking at it

• All astronomy observations must be made at night when the sun goes down

Most telescopes are located on Earth. Space-based telescopes often get data that is difficult to get using Earth-based telescopes. Which reasoning explains why a space-based telescope might be preferred to an Earth-based telescope?

• Air pollution causes a major problem for space-based telescopes

• Earth-based telescopes are always smaller than space-based telescopes

• It is difficult to get clear, close-up images of distant bodies using space-based telescopes

• Earth-based telescopes have to look through Earth’s atmosphere, which reduces their power

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