C4L3: The Inner Planets

Question 1

Define greenhouse effect

Answer 1

trapping of heat by the atmosphere

Question 2

Name all the inner planets (in order).

Answer 2

1) Mercury
2) Venus
3) Earth
4) Mars

Question 3

List several properties of Mercury.

Answer 3

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, has virtually no atmosphere, has weak gravity, and has little mass.

Question 4

List several properties of Venus.

Answer 4

Venus is called “Earth’s Twin,” has very thick atmosphere, and is the hottest planet in the Solar System.

Question 5

List several properties of Earth.

Answer 5

Earth has perfect atmosphere, is the only planet in the solar system able to sustain life, and has one moon.

Question 6

List several properties of Mars.

Answer 6

Mars has two moons, has a thin atmosphere, and is covered in iron oxide (called the “Red Planet”), or rust.

Question 7

Compare and Contrast two or more planets.

Answer 7

Mercury has little atmosphere and less mass than Venus, which has a thick atmosphere and as much mass as Earth (called “Earth’s Twin”).

Question 8

Define terrestrial planet

Answer 8

(Latin “terra” means “earth) inner planets that are small, dense, and have rocky surfaces