Exploring Our Solar System

Which object is at the center of our solar system?

• Earth

• The Sun

• Jupiter

• The Moon

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the main physical difference between asteroids and comets?

• Asteroids are made mostly of ice, comets are made of rock.

• Asteroids are made mostly of rock, comets are made of ice and dust.

• Both are made of gas.

• Both are made of metal.

Which planet is known for its prominent rings?

• Mars

• Saturn

• Venus

• Mercury

Where is the Kuiper Belt located in our solar system?

• Between Mars and Jupiter

• Beyond Neptune’s orbit

• Between Earth and Mars

• Inside the Sun

Which of the following best describes the movement of planets around the Sun?

• They move in straight lines.

• They orbit in elliptical paths.

• They stay still.

• They move randomly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which of these is NOT a physical property commonly used to describe planets?

• Mass

• Color

• Distance from the Sun

• Number of moons

Which of the following statements best explains why comets develop tails as they approach the Sun?

• The Sun’s gravity pulls the tail out.

• The Sun’s heat causes the comet’s ice to vaporize, forming a tail.

• The comet collides with asteroids.

• The tail is always present, regardless of location.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Compare the locations of the asteroid belt and the Kuiper Belt in the solar system.

• Both are located between Mars and Jupiter.

• The asteroid belt is between Mars and Jupiter; the Kuiper Belt is beyond Neptune.

• Both are beyond Neptune.

• The asteroid belt is beyond Neptune; the Kuiper Belt is between Mars and Jupiter.

If a meteor survives its journey through Earth’s atmosphere and lands on the ground, what is it called?

• Asteroid

• Meteorite

• Comet

• Satellite

Why do moons orbit planets instead of the Sun directly?

• The Sun’s gravity is weaker than the planet’s.

• The planet’s gravity keeps the moon in orbit around it.

• Moons are repelled by the Sun.

• Moons are not affected by gravity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4