Introduction to Space Science Vocabulary

What is an asteroid?

• An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun.

• An asteroid is a large gaseous planet.

• An asteroid is a type of comet that forms in the outer solar system.

• An asteroid is a moon that orbits a planet.

What is the definition of diameter?

• A line that connects two points on a circle's circumference.

• A straight line passing from side to side through the center of a body or figure, especially a circle or sphere.

• The distance around a circle.

• A line that divides a shape into two equal halves.

What is the definition of orbit?

• The path an object takes as it moves around another object due to gravity.

• A circular motion of an object around a fixed point.

• The distance between two celestial bodies.

• A straight line path taken by an object in space.

What is a meteoroid?

• A small rocky or metallic body in outer space.

• A large celestial body that orbits a planet.

• A type of star that emits light and heat.

• A fragment of a comet that falls to Earth.

How do gravitational forces affect orbits?

• They cause objects to repel each other, leading to elliptical orbits.

• Gravitational forces between two objects cause them to attract each other, influencing the shape and stability of their orbits.

• They have no effect on the motion of celestial bodies in space.

• Gravitational forces only affect the speed of orbiting objects, not their paths.

What is the significance of studying space science?

• It helps us understand the universe and the origins of celestial bodies.

• It focuses solely on the study of planets in our solar system.

• It is primarily concerned with the history of astronomy on Earth.

• It has no real-world applications or benefits.

What is a gaseous planet?

• A planet primarily made of gases, such as hydrogen and helium.

• A planet that is mostly solid and rocky.

• A small planet with a dense atmosphere.

• A planet that has a surface covered in water.

What is the role of gravity in the formation of celestial bodies?

• Gravity has no effect on celestial body formation.

• Gravity pushes matter away from each other.

• Gravity pulls matter together, leading to the formation of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies from dust and gas.

• Gravity only affects large celestial bodies, not the formation process.

What distinguishes terrestrial planets from gaseous planets?

• Terrestrial planets are primarily composed of gases, while gaseous planets are rocky and have solid surfaces.

• Terrestrial planets are icy and have liquid surfaces, while gaseous planets are rocky.

• Terrestrial planets are rocky and have solid surfaces, while gaseous planets are primarily composed of gases.

• Terrestrial planets are smaller than gaseous planets, which are larger and have solid surfaces.

What is the difference between a meteoroid, meteor, and meteorite?

• A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body in space; a meteor is the streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere; a meteorite is a meteoroid that survives its passage through the atmosphere and lands on Earth.

• A meteoroid is a large celestial body; a meteor is a type of star; a meteorite is a meteor that has exploded in the atmosphere.

• A meteoroid is a comet; a meteor is a shooting star; a meteorite is a piece of the moon.

• A meteoroid is a planet; a meteor is a satellite; a meteorite is a piece of space debris.