Solar System Study Guide

Front

What is the Solar System?

Back

The Solar System is a collection of celestial bodies, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids, that are bound by gravity.

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is a force that attracts two bodies towards each other, with strength depending on their masses and the distance between them.

Front

Which planet is closest to the Sun?

Back

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.

Front

What are terrestrial planets?

Back

Terrestrial planets are rocky planets that are closer to the Sun, including Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Front

What are gas giants?

Back

Gas giants are large planets that are primarily composed of gases, including Jupiter and Saturn.

Front

What is an asteroid?

Back

An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small icy body that, when passing close to the Sun, heats up and releases gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and tail.

Front

What is a meteoroid?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rock or particle from space that is smaller than an asteroid.

Front

What happens when a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere?

Back

When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it burns up due to friction, creating a bright streak of light known as a meteor.

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

A meteorite is a meteoroid that survives its passage through the atmosphere and lands on the surface of a planet or moon.