22.9 & 22.10 Quiz: Mercury and Venus

Which planet is the closest to the Sun?

• Venus

• Earth

• Mars

• Mercury

Answer explanation

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, orbiting at an average distance of about 57.91 million kilometers. Venus, Earth, and Mars are farther away, making Mercury the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What is unusual about Mercury's orbit compared to other planets?

• It is perfectly circular

• It is the most elliptical

• It is the least elliptical

• It does not orbit the Sun

Answer explanation

Mercury's orbit is the most elliptical of all the planets, meaning it has the greatest variation in distance from the Sun during its orbit. This distinguishes it from other planets, which have more circular orbits.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

Mercury is locked into a ___ spin-orbit resonance, where it rotates three times on its axis for every two orbits around the sun.

• 1:1

• 2:3

• 3:2

• 1:2

Answer explanation

Mercury's spin-orbit resonance is a 3:2 ratio, meaning it completes three rotations on its axis for every two orbits around the sun. This unique relationship is why the correct answer is 3:2.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

What unique phenomenon can be observed from the right spot on Mercury's surface due to its spin-orbit relationship?

• The Sun appears to rise twice in one day.

• The Sun appears to stop in the sky and move backwards for a few days.

• The Sun sets in the east instead of the west.

• The Sun never sets or rises.

Answer explanation

Due to Mercury's unique spin-orbit resonance, observers at certain locations can see the Sun appear to stop and then move backwards in the sky for a few days, creating a fascinating visual effect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

What are the craters on Mercury named after?

• Scientists

• Politicians

• Artists

• Astronomers

Answer explanation

The craters on Mercury are named after artists, honoring their contributions to culture and creativity. This naming convention distinguishes them from other celestial bodies, which often honor scientists or astronomers.

What is unusual about Mercury's magnetic field?

• It is extremely weak compared to Earth's.

• It is stronger than Earth's despite Mercury's slow rotation.

• It is surprising because of Mercury's slow rotation.

• It changes direction every few years.

Answer explanation

Mercury's magnetic field is surprising because it is generated despite the planet's slow rotation. Typically, a strong magnetic field is associated with faster rotation, making Mercury's case unusual.

What forms the long comet-like tail that Mercury has?

• Its atmosphere being stripped away by the solar wind.

• Material flung up from the surface after impacts from comets and asteroids.

• Gases emitted from Mercury's volcanic activity.

• The interaction of Mercury's magnetic field with the solar wind.

Answer explanation

Mercury's long comet-like tail is formed by material flung up from its surface due to impacts from comets and asteroids, which can create a temporary atmosphere of debris that resembles a tail.

How do impacts on Mercury compare to those on Earth?

• They are less violent because Mercury has weaker gravity.

• They are more violent because Mercury is closer to the Sun.

• They are the same as on Earth.

• They are more violent because Mercury has a stronger magnetic field.

Answer explanation

Impacts on Mercury are less violent than on Earth because Mercury's weaker gravity results in less forceful collisions. This means that while impacts occur, they do not have the same intensity as those on Earth.

Why do temperatures in the deep craters near Mercury's poles never get above -170°C?

• Because these craters are always exposed to sunlight.

• Because these craters are shielded from asteroids and comets.

• Because these craters are located in areas where sunlight never reaches.

• Because of Mercury's overall low temperature.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that these craters are located in areas where sunlight never reaches. This lack of sunlight prevents temperatures from rising above -170°C, keeping them extremely cold.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

What is it called when Venus passes directly across the Sun's face, as seen from Earth?

• A solar eclipse

• A lunar eclipse

• A Venus transit

• A Venus eclipse

Answer explanation

When Venus passes directly across the Sun's face as seen from Earth, it is called a Venus transit. This event is distinct from solar and lunar eclipses, which involve the Earth, Moon, and Sun in different configurations.