Vocabulary Quiz Space

Definition: Burning of a rocky object in earth's atmosphere. What is this object called?

• satellite

• meteor

• asteroid

• comet

Answer explanation

The burning of a rocky object in Earth's atmosphere is called a meteor. When these objects enter the atmosphere, they heat up and produce a bright streak of light, commonly referred to as a shooting star.

An object that orbits a planet. What is this object called?

• satellite

• comet

• asteroid

• meteor

Answer explanation

An object that orbits a planet is called a satellite. Comets, asteroids, and meteors are different types of celestial objects that do not specifically refer to those that orbit planets.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Definition: Rocky objects revolving around the sun.

• comet

• meteor

• satellite

• asteroid

Answer explanation

Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are icy, meteors are space debris, and satellites are objects that orbit planets, not the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

An object that orbits a star and is rounded by its own gravity.

• galaxy

• planet

• asteroid

• moon

Answer explanation

A planet is defined as an object that orbits a star and is rounded by its own gravity. This distinguishes it from asteroids, moons, and galaxies, which do not meet both criteria.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

A model of the universe in which the sun is at the center.

• geocentric

• biocentric

• heliocentric

• egocentric

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'heliocentric' because it describes a model of the universe where the sun is at the center, unlike 'geocentric' which places the Earth at the center.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A model of the universe in which earth is at the center.

• geocentric

• polycentric

• egocentric

• biocentric

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'geocentric', which describes a model of the universe where Earth is at the center. This contrasts with other terms like 'polycentric' or 'biocentric', which do not imply Earth’s central position.

Definition: Oval shape in which the planets orbit the sun.

• ellipse

• epicycle

• parabola

• circle

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'ellipse' because planets orbit the sun in elliptical paths, as described by Kepler's laws of planetary motion. An epicycle is a smaller circle in a larger orbit, a parabola is a different curve, and a circle is a special case of an ellipse.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

A pattern of stars that may represent a figure or object.

• meteor

• constellation

• comet

• satellite

Answer explanation

A constellation is a pattern of stars that forms a recognizable shape or figure, often representing mythological characters or objects. This distinguishes it from meteors, comets, and satellites, which are different celestial phenomena.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The process of carefully watching objects in space

• observations

• investigation

• guesses

• predictions

Answer explanation

The process of carefully watching objects in space is best described as 'observations.' This term specifically refers to the act of monitoring and recording data about celestial bodies, unlike the other options.

Definition: A loose collection of ice and dust that orbits the sun

• asteroid

• satellite

• meteorite

• comet

Answer explanation

A comet is defined as a loose collection of ice and dust that orbits the sun, distinguishing it from asteroids, which are primarily rocky, and other options like satellites and meteorites, which do not fit this definition.