Flashcard on Solar System and Planetary Science

Front

The formation of the solar system from a huge cloud of dust and gas is called ____.

Back

the solar nebular theory.

Front

The terrestrial (rocky) planets are made up of which two materials?

Back

Rocks and Metals.

Front

Which of the following is NOT observational evidence supporting the solar nebula theory?

Back

All the planets are composed of the same materials.

Front

What is the correct order of the planets in the Solar System, starting closest to the Sun?

Back

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

Front

What is the composition of most comets?

Back

Ice, dust, rock, frozen gases.

Front

What are the four terrestrial planets in our solar system?

Back

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars.

Front

What is the main difference between terrestrial and gas giant planets?

Back

Terrestrial planets are rocky, while gas giants are composed mainly of gases.

Front

What is the Kuiper Belt?

Back

A region of the solar system beyond Neptune, filled with small icy bodies.

Front

What is the significance of the asteroid belt?

Back

It separates the terrestrial planets from the gas giants and contains many rocky bodies.

Front

What is a planetesimal?

Back

A small body from which a planet originated in the early stages of solar system formation.