6th Grade .2 Level 3

How does the distribution of matter in the solar system affect the formation of planets and other celestial bodies?

• Matter is evenly distributed, leading to uniform planet sizes.

• Matter is concentrated in certain areas, leading to the formation of planets and other bodies.

• Matter is randomly distributed, causing unpredictable planet formation.

• Matter is only found near the sun, affecting only the inner planets.

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VA.6.2.a

Explain how the size of a planet and its distance from the sun can influence its climate and atmosphere.

• Larger planets closer to the sun have cooler climates.

• Smaller planets farther from the sun have thicker atmospheres.

• Larger planets farther from the sun tend to have colder climates and thinner atmospheres.

• Smaller planets closer to the sun have colder climates.

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VA.6.2.b

Discuss how gravity contributes to the orbital motion of planets in the solar system.

• Gravity pushes planets away from the sun, keeping them in orbit.

• Gravity pulls planets towards the sun, causing them to crash.

• Gravity keeps planets in a stable orbit around the sun by balancing the inward pull and the planet's velocity.

• Gravity has no effect on the orbital motion of planets.

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VA.6.2.c

Analyze how our understanding of the solar system has evolved from ancient times to the present.

• Ancient models were more accurate than modern models.

• The understanding has remained the same over time.

• Modern technology has allowed for more accurate models and understanding of the solar system.

• Ancient models included all the planets we know today.

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VA.6.2.d

Evaluate the role of gravity in the distribution of matter within the solar system.

• Gravity causes matter to spread evenly throughout the solar system.

• Gravity causes matter to clump together, forming stars and planets.

• Gravity has no effect on the distribution of matter.

• Gravity only affects the distribution of gases, not solids.

Tags

VA.6.2.a

How do the varying distances of planets from the sun affect their orbital periods?

• Planets closer to the sun have longer orbital periods.

• Planets farther from the sun have shorter orbital periods.

• Planets closer to the sun have shorter orbital periods.

• Distance from the sun does not affect orbital periods.

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VA.6.2.b

Describe how gravity influences the shape and stability of planetary orbits.

• Gravity causes orbits to be perfectly circular.

• Gravity causes orbits to be elliptical and maintains their stability.

• Gravity has no influence on the shape of orbits.

• Gravity causes orbits to be irregular and unstable.

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VA.6.2.c

Discuss the impact of technological advancements on our understanding of the solar system.

• Technology has had little impact on our understanding.

• Technology has only complicated our understanding.

• Technological advancements have greatly enhanced our understanding of the solar system.

• Technology has only confirmed ancient beliefs.

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VA.6.2.d

How does the distribution of matter in the solar system influence the formation of moons around planets?

• Moons form only from matter distributed near the sun.

• Moons form from matter that is evenly distributed throughout the solar system.

• Moons form from matter that is captured by a planet's gravity.

• Moons do not form from distributed matter.

Tags

VA.6.2.a

Analyze how the size and distance of a planet from the sun can affect its potential to support life.

• Larger planets closer to the sun are more likely to support life.

• Smaller planets farther from the sun are more likely to support life.

• Planets in the habitable zone, regardless of size, have a higher potential to support life.

• Size and distance have no effect on a planet's potential to support life.

Tags

VA.6.2.b