Exploring Our Solar System

Which of the following celestial bodies is at the center of our solar system?

• Earth

• The Moon

• The Sun

• Mars

What is the shape of the orbits in which planets revolve around the sun?

• Circular

• Elliptical

• Square

• Triangular

Explain why planets do not fly off into space despite moving at high speeds.

• Because of the gravitational pull from the sun

• Because of the air resistance in space

• Because of the magnetic fields of the planets

• Because of the light from the sun

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.3

Which planet is known to have a moon that orbits it?

• Venus

• Earth

• Mercury

• Mars

Compare the gravitational forces between the sun and the planets with the gravitational forces between a planet and its moon(s). Why are these forces important?

• They are important because they keep the planets and moons in their orbits.

• They are important because they create light.

• They are important because they cause the planets to spin.

• They are important because they change the color of the planets.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.3

Which of the following statements is true about the composition of planets in our solar system?

• All planets are made of the same materials.

• Each planet has a unique composition.

• Only the inner planets have a unique composition.

• Only the outer planets have a unique composition.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.4

If gravitational forces were suddenly removed, what would happen to the planets and moons?

• They would stop moving.

• They would continue moving in a straight line into space.

• They would move closer to the sun.

• They would collide with each other.

Tags

CCSS.W.5.2D

Describe the role of gravitational forces in the movement of celestial bodies in the solar system.

• Gravitational forces cause celestial bodies to change color.

• Gravitational forces keep celestial bodies in their orbits.

• Gravitational forces make celestial bodies larger.

• Gravitational forces stop celestial bodies from moving.

Tags

CCSS.W.5.2D

Which of the following is NOT a celestial body that orbits the sun?

• Comet

• Asteroid

• Meteoroid

• Satellite

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.4

How does the distance of a planet from the sun affect its characteristics?

• The closer a planet is to the sun, the colder it is.

• The farther a planet is from the sun, the more moons it has.

• The closer a planet is to the sun, the hotter it is.

• The distance from the sun does not affect a planet's characteristics.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.3