Solar System and Planetary Science Quiz

Our solar system is made up of eight planets (four inner called terrestrial planets and four outer called gas/ice giants) and the Sun. Put the following in order from smallest to largest in size: the Sun, terrestrial planets, and gas/ice giants.

• Terrestrial planets, gas/ice giants, Sun

• Sun, terrestrial planets, gas/ice giants

• Gas/ice giants, Sun, terrestrial planets

• Terrestrial planets, Sun, gas/ice giants

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Can we easily build a model of the solar system that accurately shows the distance between planets and the Sun and their sizes? Explain why or why not.

• Yes, because the distances and sizes are easy to represent together.

• No, because the distances and sizes are too different in scale to show accurately together.

• Yes, because all planets are the same size.

• No, because the Sun is not part of the solar system.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

How is the terrestrial planets' composition different from the gas/ice giant planets?

• Terrestrial planets are made mostly of gas, while gas/ice giants are made of rock.

• Terrestrial planets are made mostly of rock and metal, while gas/ice giants are made mostly of gas and ice.

• Both are made of the same materials.

• Gas/ice giants are made of water only.

Before the 1900s, what tool was the only one available to observe planets? And what did it do?

• Microscope; it made planets look smaller.

• Telescope; it allowed people to see planets more clearly from Earth.

• Satellite; it traveled to other planets.

• Computer; it calculated planet distances.

What tool began being used in the 1970s to learn more about other planets? Describe it.

• Space probes; they travel to other planets and send back information.

• Binoculars; they help see planets from Earth.

• Submarines; they explore underwater planets.

• Rulers; they measure planet sizes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Which of the following is NOT a terrestrial planet?

• Mercury

• Venus

• Jupiter

• Mars

What is a key difference between terrestrial and gas/ice giant planets?

• Terrestrial planets have rings.

• Gas/ice giants have solid surfaces.

• Terrestrial planets are closer to the Sun.

• Gas/ice giants are made of metal.

What is the main purpose of a space probe?

• To orbit the Earth

• To travel to other planets and collect data

• To measure the Sun’s temperature

• To observe stars only

What did telescopes help scientists do before the 1900s?

• Travel to other planets

• See planets more clearly from Earth

• Measure planet temperatures

• Land on the Moon

Which tool started being used in the 1970s to explore planets directly?

• Telescope

• Space probe

• Microscope

• Binoculars

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2