Gravity and Solar System Models

Elliptical, spiral, and irregular are all types of ______.

Answer explanation

Elliptical, spiral, and irregular are classifications of galaxies, which are vast systems containing stars, gas, and dust. Therefore, the correct answer is galaxies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

The sun, the planets that orbit the sun, and other objects that orbit the sun are collectively known as the ______.

Answer explanation

The sun, along with the planets and other objects that orbit it, forms the solar system. This term encompasses all celestial bodies bound by the sun's gravity, making 'solar system' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

This is the smallest planet in the solar system.

Answer explanation

Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system, with a diameter of about 4,880 kilometers. It is smaller than Venus, Earth, and Mars, making it the correct answer to the question.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What force caused planets to grow so large?

Answer explanation

Gravity is the force that pulls matter together, allowing planets to accumulate mass and grow larger over time. Unlike friction or air resistance, gravity is essential for the formation and growth of celestial bodies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What do Astronomists study?

• Space

• Plants

• Rocks

Answer explanation

Astronomers study space, which includes celestial bodies, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. The other options, plants and rocks, are studied by botanists and geologists, respectively.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Most meteoroids floating around in the Solar System are how big?

• A grain of sand or small pebble

• Size of a car

• Size of a football field

• State of Arizona

Answer explanation

Most meteoroids are indeed very small, often comparable to a grain of sand or a small pebble. Larger sizes, like a car or a football field, are much less common in the vastness of the Solar System.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

The __________ has planets, moons, comets, and asteroids.

Answer explanation

The solar system is the correct answer as it encompasses all celestial bodies, including planets, moons, comets, and asteroids. The other options do not represent a collection of these astronomical objects.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

In this diagram, the motion of the SATELLITE can best be described as -

• Rotation

• Revolution

Answer explanation

The motion of a satellite around a planet is best described as revolution, as it orbits the planet in a path, unlike rotation, which refers to an object spinning on its own axis.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Why does the Earth orbit the Sun and not a planet in the solar system?

• The Sun is more massive than the planets so its mass causes the gravitational pull.

• It just happened that way.

• The Earth pulls the Sun toward it because it is so massive.

• The Earth is closer than the other planets so the distance causes the gravitational pull.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that the Sun is more massive than the planets, which causes a stronger gravitational pull. This gravitational force is what keeps the Earth and other planets in orbit around the Sun.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

How do the sizes of the inner planets compare to the sizes of the outer planets?

• The inner planets are larger.

• The outer planets are smaller.

• There is no size difference between the inner and outer planets.

• The inner planets are smaller.

Answer explanation

The inner planets, which include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, are significantly smaller than the outer planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Therefore, the correct answer is that the inner planets are smaller.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3