Unit 2 ESS Review

According to the nebular theory, the solar system formed from __________.

• A. colliding nebulae

• B. colliding planetesimals

• C. a rotating disk of dust and gases

• D. rotating stars

Which of the following is one difference between the way terrestrial planets and Jovian planets formed?

• A. The terrestrial planets formed only from metals and silicate minerals.

• B. The Jovian planets formed only from metals and silicate minerals.

• C. The terrestrial planets formed only from bits of ice.

• D. The Jovian planets formed only from bits of ice.

An early step in the formation of the planets occurred as bits of matter collided and clumped together to form _________.

• planetesimals
• comets

• moons

• dwarf planets

A cloud of gas and dust in space is called a __________.

• nebula
• protostar

• planetesimal

• supernova

Why do Jovian planets have thicker atmospheres than terrestrial planets? (Select all that apply)

• The colder temperatures in the outer solar system make it more difficult for the gases to acquire the velocity needed to escape a Jovian planet's gravity.

• The lower densities of the Jovian planets make it easier to retain an atmosphere.

• They are larger, with stronger surface gravity, so a higher escape velocity is required for the Jovian planets.

• The gases that make up their atmospheres are more plentiful in the outer solar system.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

In what ways is Venus similar to Earth? (Select all that apply)

• Size

• Location in the solar system

• Temperature

• Composition (iron core, rocky crust)

The polar ice caps on Mars are mostly made of water ice, covered by a thin layer of frozen __________.

What are some lines of evidence that support the idea that there is liquid water on Mars, either currently or in the past? (Select all that apply)

• Some areas exhibit drainage patterns similar to those created by streams on Earth.

• Robotic landers on Mars have collected and returned water samples.

• Images from the Mars Global Surveyor appear to show water seeping out of the ground similar to springs here on Earth.

• Erosion patterns show what appear to be ancient islands in a dry streambed.

Which of the following statements about Mars are true? (Select all that apply)

• Mars has large, inactive volcanoes.

• The average temperature on Mars is very similar to Earth.

• Mars may have had a magnetic field at one time in the past.

• Mars has two moons named Phobos and Deimos.

Which of the following is NOT one of the ways that Mercury is similar to Earth's moon?

• Both the moon and Mercury have thick atmospheres made of mostly carbon dioxide.

• They are similar in size, Mercury is just slightly larger than the moon.

• Parts of Mercury's surface is heavily cratered.

• Mercury has some smooth terrains that resemble lunar maria.