Planetary Science Quiz

While studying planets, a student noticed that Venus is hotter than Mercury, even though Mercury is closer to the Sun. What could be the reason for this observation?

• Venus rotates faster than Mercury

• Venus has an atmosphere thick in carbon dioxide

• Mercury has clouds that reflect sunlight

• Venus has many volcanoes that warm the surface

During a science museum visit, a guide explained that everything we see, including stars, planets, and energy, is part of a larger system. What is this system called?

• Galaxy

• Solar System

• Atmosphere

• Universe

Astronomers observed that most planets orbit the Sun in the same direction. Which theory does this observation support?

• Planets and satellites have random orbits

• Outer planets are made of heavy elements

• Planets revolve in the same direction around the Sun

• Stars frequently collide with the Sun

In a classroom debate about planetary motion, a student argued that the Earth revolves around the Sun. Which scientist originally proposed this idea?

• Galileo Galilei

• Nicolaus Copernicus

• Isaac Newton

• Edwin Hubble

A student is confused between the terms 'rotation' and 'revolution' while studying planetary motion. How can you best explain the difference?

• Rotation is the planet's movement around the Sun; revolution is its spin on its axis.

• Rotation causes seasons; revolution causes day and night.

• Rotation is spinning on its axis; revolution is moving around the Sun.

• Rotation affects gravity; revolution affects temperature.

If new evidence shows that most of the universe is made of plasma, which theory would gain more scientific support?

• Big Bang Theory

• Eternal Inflation

• Plasma Universe Theory

• Creationism

A science article mentions cosmic background radiation as evidence for a theory about the origin of the universe. Which theory is being supported?

• It agrees with many religious beliefs

• It is supported by observational evidence like cosmic background radiation

• It suggests the universe is unchanging

• It is the only theory that exists

Scientists explain that inner planets are rocky while outer planets are gaseous. What best explains this arrangement?

• Lighter gases moved closer to the Sun during formation, forming rocky planets.

• Heavier elements formed the outer planets because they cooled faster.

• The solar nebula's heat caused heavier elements to remain near the Sun, forming dense inner planets, while lighter gases formed the outer planets.

• Collisions pushed rocky planets inward and gas giants outward.

A documentary describes a theory where the universe keeps expanding rapidly after its origin. What is this theory called?

• Steady-State Theory

• Eternal Inflation

• Plasma Universe

• Creationism

According to a popular theory, the universe began from a dense state and expanded. What happened to this 'primeval atom'?

• Collapsed

• Remained still

• Shrank

• Expanded