S6E1 Comets Meteor Asteroid

When you hear someone say "look, it's a shooting star," what do they mean?

• A star is moving across the sky.

• A meteor is burning up in the atmosphere.

• A satellite is passing by.

• A comet is visible in the sky.

Answer explanation

When someone says "look, it's a shooting star," they are referring to a meteor burning up in the atmosphere, creating a bright streak of light. This is the correct interpretation, not a moving star, satellite, or comet.

What is a comet?

• A small rocky body orbiting the sun

• A celestial body with a tail of gas and dust

• A star that explodes

• A planet with rings

Answer explanation

A comet is defined as a celestial body that orbits the sun and is characterized by a tail of gas and dust, which forms when it approaches the sun. This distinguishes it from other celestial bodies like asteroids or planets.

What is an asteroid?

• A large star

• A small rocky body orbiting the sun

• A comet with a tail

• A planet with moons

Answer explanation

An asteroid is defined as a small rocky body that orbits the sun, distinguishing it from larger celestial bodies like stars and planets. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A small rocky body orbiting the sun'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Which object is described as having a structure like a large dirty snowball?

• Comet

• Meteor

• Asteroid

• Planet

Answer explanation

A comet is often described as a large dirty snowball because it is composed of ice, dust, and rocky material. When it approaches the sun, it heats up and releases gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and tail.

What is made up of dust and rock that burns up in the Earth's atmosphere?

• Comet

• Meteor

• Asteroid

• Star

Answer explanation

A meteor is a small body made of dust and rock that enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up, creating a bright streak of light. This distinguishes it from comets and asteroids, which do not burn up in the atmosphere.

Which object is a rock made up of similar material that formed the planets?

• Comet

• Meteor

• Asteroid

• Moon

Answer explanation

Asteroids are rocky bodies that are remnants from the early solar system, similar in composition to the materials that formed the planets. Comets and meteors are different types of celestial objects, while moons are natural satellites.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Most of which objects are located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter?

• Comet

• Meteor

• Asteroid

• Satellite

Answer explanation

Most objects found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter are asteroids, which form the asteroid belt. Comets and meteors originate from different regions, while satellites are man-made and not found in this area.

What is a meteorite?

• A small rocky body orbiting the sun

• A meteoroid that hits the Earth's surface

• A bright streak of light in the sky

• A large body of ice and dust in space

Answer explanation

A meteorite is specifically defined as a meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the Earth's surface. This distinguishes it from other terms like meteoroids and meteors.

What are comets primarily composed of?

• Dust and rock mixed with frozen water, methane, and ammonia

• Only dust and rock

• Only frozen water

• Only methane and ammonia

Answer explanation

Comets are primarily composed of dust and rock mixed with frozen gases like water, methane, and ammonia. This composition allows them to form a glowing coma and tail when they approach the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

How do comets travel around the sun?

• In circular orbits

• In elliptical orbits

• In square orbits

• In triangular orbits

Answer explanation

Comets travel around the sun in elliptical orbits, which means their paths are elongated rather than circular. This allows them to come close to the sun and then move far away, creating a distinctive orbit.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4