Lesson #1 The Structure of the Solar System

How are the inner planets different from the outer planets?

• Inner planets are smaller and rockier, while outer planets are larger and gaseous.

• Inner planets have rings, while outer planets do not.

• Inner planets have more moons than outer planets.

• Inner planets are colder than outer planets.

An astronomical unit is a measure of distance used in astronomy. What does it represent?

• The average distance from the Earth to the Sun

• The distance from the Earth to the Moon

• The distance from the Sun to the nearest star

• The diameter of the Milky Way galaxy

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

The shape of a planet's orbit is:

• Circular

• Elliptical

• Parabolic

• Hyperbolic

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

What is an asteroid?

• A small rocky body orbiting the sun

• A type of star

• A kind of planet

• A comet

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What is a comet?

• A comet is a small celestial body that orbits the sun and is composed of ice, dust, and rocky material. When it approaches the sun, it heats up and releases gases, forming a glowing coma and often a tail.

• A comet is a type of star that is part of a constellation and remains fixed in the night sky.

• A comet is a planet that orbits the sun and has a solid surface with an atmosphere.

• A comet is a satellite that orbits the Earth and is used for communication purposes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

A planet is a celestial body that:

• orbits a star and has cleared its orbit of other debris.

• is larger than a star and emits its own light.

• is made entirely of gas and has no solid surface.

• orbits a moon and is smaller than an asteroid.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Key Concept Check: How do the inner planets differ from the outer planets?

• The inner planets are smaller and rockier, while the outer planets are larger and gaseous.

• The inner planets are larger and gaseous, while the outer planets are smaller and rockier.

• The inner planets have more moons than the outer planets.

• The inner planets are colder than the outer planets.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Define 'star' in the context of the solar system.

• star

• planet

• moon

• asteroid

Tags

NGSS.5-ESS1-1

Define 'orbit' as a noun and a verb.

• Define 'orbit' as a noun and a verb.

• Define 'orbit' as a noun only.

• Define 'orbit' as a verb only.

• Define 'orbit' as an adjective.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What is the origin of the word 'asteroid'?

• The word 'asteroid' originates from the Greek word 'asteroeides', meaning 'star-like', which is derived from 'aster', meaning 'star'.

• The word 'asteroid' originates from the Latin word 'aster', meaning 'star'.

• The word 'asteroid' originates from the Old English word 'aster', meaning 'star'.

• The word 'asteroid' originates from the French word 'astre', meaning 'star'.