Earth SOL Unit 2.1 - Solar System

What is the age of the universe according to the document?

• 4.5 billion years

• 13.8 billion years

• 10 billion years

• 20 billion years

Answer explanation

The age of the universe is estimated to be 13.8 billion years, based on measurements of cosmic microwave background radiation and the expansion rate of the universe, making this the correct choice.

The Big Bang Theory states that the universe began​ (a)   (b)   and in a​ (c)   state.

• cold
• barely
• very
• hot
• dense
• light

Answer explanation

The Big Bang Theory states that the universe began as a very hot, dense state, which then expanded and cooled over time, leading to the formation of galaxies and other structures.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

Which TWO elements were predominantly formed in the early universe according to the Big Bang Theory?

• Helium

• Hydrogen

• Iron

• Oxygen

Answer explanation

According to the Big Bang Theory, the early universe primarily produced Hydrogen and Helium through nucleosynthesis. Iron and Oxygen formed later in stars, making Hydrogen and Helium the correct answers.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

Where is our solar system located?

• Andromeda Galaxy

• Milky Way Galaxy

• Triangulum Galaxy

• Whirlpool Galaxy

Answer explanation

Our solar system is located in the Milky Way Galaxy, which is the galaxy that contains our Sun and its planets. The other options, such as Andromeda and Triangulum, are different galaxies.

The FOUR inner planets are __.

• Jupiter

• Mercury

• Earth

• Venus

• Mars

Answer explanation

The inner planets, also known as terrestrial planets, are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. They are located closer to the Sun and are primarily composed of rock and metal, unlike the outer gas giants.

Which planet is the closest to the Sun?

• Venus

• Earth

• Mercury

• Mars

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.

The nature of the universe is _ and _.

• static

• dynamic

• expanding

• shrinking

Answer explanation

The universe is described as 'dynamic and expanding' because it is constantly changing and growing larger over time, which aligns with current cosmological theories and observations.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

What is the third planet from the Sun that supports life and has one Moon?

• Mars

• Venus

• Earth

• Saturn

Answer explanation

Earth is the third planet from the Sun, uniquely supporting life and having one Moon. Mars and Venus do not meet both criteria, while Saturn is a gas giant with many moons.

Which planet is known for having the highest mountain in the Solar System, Olympus Mons?

• Mars

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Neptune

Answer explanation

Mars is known for Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano and mountain in the Solar System, standing about 13.6 miles (22 kilometers) high. This makes Mars the correct answer to the question.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What is the name of the region beyond Neptune that contains dwarf planets like Pluto?

• Asteroid Belt

• Kuiper Belt

• Oort Cloud

• Comet Zone

Answer explanation

The region beyond Neptune that contains dwarf planets like Pluto is called the Kuiper Belt. It is distinct from the Asteroid Belt, which is located between Mars and Jupiter, and the Oort Cloud, which is much farther out.