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What do comets, asteroids and meteors all have in common?

• They all are made of ice

• They all hit Earth's surface

• They all orbit the sun

• They have nothing in common

Answer explanation

Comets, asteroids, and meteors all orbit the sun as they are part of our solar system. While they differ in composition and behavior, their commonality lies in their orbital paths around the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

A meteor when it burns in the atmosphere is also known as a ____.

• rock

• shooting star

• ball of ice

Answer explanation

A meteor that burns up in the atmosphere creates a bright streak of light, commonly referred to as a 'shooting star'. This term is widely used, while 'rock' and 'ball of ice' do not accurately describe the phenomenon.

Where are most of the asteroids in the solar system located?

• Asteroid Belt

• Orion's Belt

• Gemini Area

Answer explanation

Most asteroids in the solar system are located in the Asteroid Belt, which is situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Orion's Belt and the Gemini Area are not related to asteroid locations.

A meteoroid is found

• in Space

• entering earths atmosphere

• impacting earths surface

Answer explanation

A meteoroid is defined as a small rocky or metallic body in outer space. Therefore, the correct answer is 'in Space', as it refers to its natural state before entering the atmosphere or impacting the Earth's surface.

When a meteoroid begins to enter Earth's atmosphere it begins to burn up.  What force causes this?

• Gravity

• Friction

• EM Radiation

Answer explanation

As a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it encounters air resistance, causing friction. This friction generates heat, leading to the meteoroid burning up. Therefore, the correct answer is friction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

The cloud of gas and dust around the solid icy ball of a comet is the...

• Nucleus

• Coma

• Tail

Answer explanation

The cloud of gas and dust surrounding the solid icy nucleus of a comet is called the coma. It forms when the comet approaches the Sun, causing the ice to vaporize and release gas and dust.

Which object in space looks like a "dirty snowball" because of its composition of ice, gas and dust?

• Asteroid

• Meteoroid

• Comet

• Meteor

Answer explanation

A comet is often described as a 'dirty snowball' because it is composed of ice, gas, and dust. This distinguishes it from asteroids, meteoroids, and meteors, which do not have this icy composition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

A meteor that does not burn up in Earth's atmosphere and reaches Earth's surface

• Meteorite

• Meteoroid

• Meteor

Answer explanation

A meteorite is a meteor that survives its passage through the atmosphere and lands on Earth's surface. In contrast, a meteoroid is a smaller object in space, and a meteor is the streak of light produced when a meteoroid burns up.

When objects strike the surface of a planet or moon, they leave a deep impression on the surface called a:

• Pothole 

• Crater

• Canyon

• Plateau

Answer explanation

When objects collide with a planet or moon's surface, they create a depression known as a crater. This term specifically refers to the round, bowl-shaped indentations formed by such impacts, distinguishing them from other geological features.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What's the difference between comets and asteroids?

• Asteroids are made of metal and rock, while Comets are ice and rock

• Asteroids are made of ice and rock, while Comets are made of metals and rock

• There is no difference

• Asteroids are made of stardust, while Comets are made up of water

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that asteroids are primarily composed of metal and rock, while comets contain ice mixed with rock. This distinction highlights their different compositions and origins in the solar system.