Current Solar System quiz

What is the Sun primarily composed of?

• Helium

• Hydrogen

• Oxygen

• Carbon

Answer explanation

The Sun, like most stars, is primarily composed of Hydrogen. Hydrogen fuses together to form Helium in a process called nuclear fusion, which powers the Sun. The other options of Oxygen and Carbon are present but in much smaller quantities.

Which gas makes up the largest portion of Earth's atmosphere?

• Oxygen

• Carbon Dioxide

• Nitrogen

• Hydrogen

Answer explanation

The question asks about the gas that comprises the largest part of Earth's atmosphere. The correct answer is Nitrogen. Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, a much larger proportion than other gases such as Oxygen or Carbon Dioxide.

Which of the following is NOT true about the Moon?

• It has no atmosphere

• It has a day- night cycle similar to Earth

• It is tidally locked to Earth

• It is larger than Earth

Answer explanation

The Moon is not larger than Earth; in fact, it's significantly smaller. The other statements are true: the Moon has no atmosphere, it has a day-night cycle, although it's different from Earth's due to being tidally locked, meaning it always shows the same face to Earth.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Moon's surface?

• Presence of craters

• Presence of mountains

• Presence of water bodies

• Presence of valleys

Answer explanation

The moon's surface is known for its craters, mountains, and valleys, all created by meteor impacts. However, it lacks significant water bodies. While there is water on the moon, it's mostly in the form of ice trapped in permanently shadowed areas. There are no bodies of liquid water like lakes, rivers, or oceans.

How long does it take for full orbit of the Earth around the sun?

• 365 days

• 24 hours

• 1 month

• 6 minutes

Answer explanation

The correct answer is '365 days'. This is because it takes approximately 365.25 days - often rounded to 365 - for Earth to complete a full orbit around the sun. This period of time is known as a solar year.

Which of the following is NOT true about the Moon's rotation?

• It rotates on its axis

• It rotates at the same speed as Earth

• It rotates in the same direction as Earth

• One side of the Moon is always facing Earth

Answer explanation

The Moon rotates on its axis and in the same direction as Earth, which is why we always see the same side of it. However, its rotation speed is slower than Earth's. Therefore, the statement 'It rotates at the same speed as Earth' is not true.

What is the time taken by the Earth to rotate once on its axis?

• 365 days

• 24 hours

• 1 month

• 6 minutes

Answer explanation

The Earth takes approximately 24 hours to rotate once on its axis. This is commonly referred to as a 'day'. The other options including 365 days (a year, which is the time taken by the Earth to orbit the Sun), 1 month, and 6 minutes are incorrect in this context.

The Earth spins on an axis

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement in the question is indeed true. Our planet, Earth, spins on its own axis. This rotation is what gives us the cycle of day and night. When a portion of the Earth is facing the Sun, it experiences daylight, and when it is away from the Sun, it is night.

What is the main force responsible for keeping the Moon in orbit around Earth?

• Gravity

• Magnetism

• Wind

• Light

Answer explanation

The Moon orbits the Earth due to the gravitational pull from our planet. Other options like magnetism, wind or light do not have enough influence to keep a massive body like the Moon in orbit around the Earth. Therefore, the correct answer is gravity.

What causes day and night on Earth

• Rotatation of the Moon

• Rotation of the Sun

• Rotation of the Earth

• The tilt of the Earth's Axis

Answer explanation

Day and night on Earth are caused by the planet's rotation on its own axis. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the Earth receive sunlight, creating day. The area in shadow, away from the sun, experiences night. This rules out the other options such as the rotation of the Moon, the rotation of the Sun, and the tilt of the Earth's axis.