Origin of Earth

Earth, and the rest of the solar system, formed from a giant cloud of gas and dust in space called a __.

• protosun

• nebula

• galaxy

• comet

Answer explanation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Since the early Earth was molten, the most dense material sank to the center forming the ________. Less dense material rose towards the surface, forming the ____________. This process is known as DIFFERENTIATION.

• core; crust

• crust: core

Answer explanation

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

What is the name for the scientific explanation for the origin of our Solar System (Sun and the planets)?

• The accretion hypothesis

• The nebular hypothesis

• The gravitational collapse hypothesis

• The protoplanetary hypothesis

Check ALL of the reasons below for how Earth gained internal heat.

• Collisions of asteroids and comets (Transfer of kinetic energy into heat).

• Radioactive elements breaking down and giving off energy.

• Dante's inferno of fire and brimstone.

• Compression due to the inward pull of materials due to gravity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Which of the following was probably not present in the atmosphere of the primitive Earth? 

• Methane

• Oxygen

• Water

• Carbon dioxide

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Which of the following would NOT be a reason why scientists think life didn't start on land?

• The first crust was covered in glaciers

• The atmosphere was filled with harmful chemicals

• The ultraviolet radiation would destroy organic compounds

• The chemicals necessary for life are plentiful in certain parts of the ocean

Identify the Formation Theory/Hypothesis: A large collision between early Earth and a Mars-sized object ejected material into space that came together to form our Moon.

• The Nebular Hypothesis

• The Big Bang Theory

• The Collision-Ejection Theory

The oceans and atmosphere of Earth were primarily made from ___________.

• magma/lava cooling

• collisions from comets

• volcanic eruptions

• the melting of glaciers and ice caps

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

NGSS.HS-ESS2-5

Identify the Formation Theory/Hypothesis: The theory of how the Solar System formed from a large cloud of condensing gas and dust which heated up at its center to trigger hydrogen fusion and form our star the Sun.

• The Nebular Hypothesis

• The Big Bang Theory

• The Collision-Ejection Theory

When did the solar system begin to form?

• 3.5 billion years ago

• 4.56 billion years ago

• 2 billion years ago

• 5 billion years ago