Honors Astronomy Unit Test

Front

According to Kepler’s first law, what do scientists know about the orbit of a newly discovered planet around a single star?

Back

The orbit is elliptical

Front

Kepler's 2nd Law deals with: the shape of the planets' orbits, the speed/area the planet travels, the length of time it takes the planet to orbit the sun.

Back

the speed/area the planet travels

Front

Why do planets orbit the Sun?

Back

The Sun is the most massive object in our solar system, so it exerts the greatest gravitational pull.

Front

What two forces affect how strong or weak an object's gravitational force will be?

Back

mass and distance

Front

What are the first 4 planets between the sun and 1st asteroid belt called?

Back

The inner terrestrial planets

Front

What would happen to the planets in the solar system if the sun’s gravitational force were to suddenly disappear?

Back

They will fly away in straight lines.

Front

How many planets (not counting the dwarf planet) are in our solar system?

Back

8

Front

What is dark energy?

Back

The mysterious force that pushes objects apart.

Front

How many tide changes occur in a 24 hr period?

Back

Four

Front

Reason for the annual change of seasons in the temperate zones of the United States.

Back

the tilt of Earth’s axis, its rotation, and revolution