Unit Nine - Astronomy - The Solar System

Question 1

Definition of Solar System

Answer 1

All the objects that orbit the Sun under its gravitational influence

Question 2

Definition of Terrestrial Planets

Answer 2

1. Solid - Surfaced
2. Smaller diameters
3. Higher densities
4. Close to the sun
   ex: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars

Question 3

Definition of Jovian Planets

Answer 3

1. Gaseous planets
2. Larger diameters
3. Lower densities
4. Farther from the sun

Question 4

Definition of Asteroids

Answer 4

Solid, Rocky or Metallic bodies that independently orbit the sun

(Asteroid Belt found between Mars and Jupiter)

Question 5

Definition of Comet (3)

Answer 5

1. Mainly of composed of solids that can easily form into a gas.
2. As these solids melt, they leave a trail behind known as a comet’s tail.
3. Widely known as a ‘“dirty snowball”

Question 6

Definition of Meteoroid

Answer 6

Small fragment that orbits the sun

Question 7

Definition of Meteorites (3)

Answer 7

1. A ROCK
2. Leaves a visible streak
3. It passes through our atmosphere and strike Earth

Question 8

What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteorite?

Answer 8

Meteoroids do not survive the trip when hitting Earth’s atmosphere, for oit ends up burning, leaving a flash of light. Once it safely ends up on Earth, it is known as a meteorite.

Question 9

Evolution of the Solar System (9)

Answer 9

1. A large dust cloud from an exploded star
2. Condenses/Clumps Together
3. Most mass concentrated to the center, forming Sun
4. Other concentration formed the planets
5. Sun became too massive
6. Ignited under its own mass
7. Violent explosion
8. Blew most gases off the inner planets
9. Pushed most debris between Mars and Jupiter