Exploring Planets and Dwarf Planets

Which of the following is a characteristic of terrestrial planets in our solar system?

• They have thick atmospheres composed mainly of hydrogen and helium.

• They have solid, rocky surfaces.

• They are located beyond the asteroid belt.

• They have rings made of ice and rock particles.

How do scientists classify a celestial body as a dwarf planet?

• It must have a moon.

• It must orbit the Sun and have cleared its orbit of other debris.

• It must orbit the Sun and be spherical in shape but not have cleared its orbit.

• It must be larger than a planet.

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for measuring distances within our solar system?

• Light years

• Kilometers

• Astronomical units

• Parsecs

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Which planet is known for having the most extensive ring system?

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Uranus

• Neptune

What is the primary component of the atmosphere of Venus?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

Which dwarf planet is located in the asteroid belt?

• Pluto

• Eris

• Haumea

• Ceres

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, defined as one astronomical unit (AU)?

• 93 million miles

• 150 million kilometers

• 1 light year

• 384,400 kilometers

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Which planet is known as the "Red Planet" due to its reddish appearance?

• Mercury

• Venus

• Mars

• Jupiter

Which of the following planets has the shortest day, completing a rotation on its axis in about 10 hours?

• Earth

• Jupiter

• Mars

• Neptune

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a celestial body to be classified as a planet?

• It must orbit the Sun.

• It must be spherical in shape.

• It must have a moon.

• It must have cleared its orbit of other debris.