Unit 7 Test: Exploring Our Solar System and Earth

Which of the following best describes the location of the Kuiper Belt in our solar system?

• Between Mars and Jupiter

• Beyond Neptune

• Between Earth and Mars

• Inside the orbit of Mercury

How does gravity affect the motion of planets in our solar system?

• It causes planets to move in straight lines.

• It keeps planets in orbit around the Sun.

• It repels planets away from the Sun.

• It has no effect on planetary motion.

Which characteristic of Earth is crucial for supporting life?

• Its distance from the Moon

• The presence of liquid water

• Its size compared to other planets

• The number of moons it has

What evidence supports the theory that Earth has changed over time?

• The constant size of the continents

• Fossil evidence and plate tectonics

• The unchanging position of the stars

• The fixed location of the magnetic poles

How do plate tectonics contribute to the formation of ocean basins?

• By causing the ocean floor to rise

• By creating new landmasses

• By spreading apart tectonic plates

• By eroding existing landmasses

Explain how the gravitational pull of the Sun affects the orbits of comets in the solar system.

• Comets are pushed away from the Sun by its gravity.

• Comets are pulled into circular orbits around the Sun.

• Comets are drawn into elliptical orbits that bring them close to the Sun.

• Comets are unaffected by the Sun's gravity.

Analyze why the presence of an atmosphere is essential for life on Earth.

• It provides a barrier against solar winds.

• It allows for the existence of liquid water.

• It reflects all sunlight away from the surface.

• It prevents the escape of all gases into space.

Describe the role of superposition in understanding Earth's geological history.

• It helps determine the age of rock layers.

• It explains the movement of tectonic plates.

• It describes the formation of volcanic islands.

• It predicts future earthquake locations.

Evaluate the impact of plate tectonics on mountain building.

• Mountains are formed by the erosion of tectonic plates.

• Mountains are created when tectonic plates collide.

• Mountains are unaffected by tectonic activity.

• Mountains are formed by the melting of tectonic plates.

What is the significance of the Oort Cloud in our solar system?

• It is the main source of asteroids.

• It is a region where new planets form.

• It is a distant area filled with icy bodies.

• It is the closest region to the Sun.