Formation of Solar System RETAKE 2026 ERF

What are planets that are rocky and close to the Sun called? Terrestrial planets are _____________________________.

• Rocky bodies found between Mars and Jupiter.

• Large planets with thick atmospheres, located farther from the Sun.

• Planets that are rocky and closer to the Sun.

• The process by which particles collide and stick together, forming larger bodies.

Answer explanation

Terrestrial planets are defined as planets that are rocky and closer to the Sun, such as Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. This distinguishes them from gas giants, which are larger and located farther from the Sun.

What are Gas Giants (Jovian planets)?

• Rocky bodies found between Mars and Jupiter.

• Large planets with thick atmospheres, located farther from the Sun.

• Planets that are rocky and closer to the Sun.

• The process by which particles collide and stick together, forming larger bodies.

Answer explanation

Gas Giants, or Jovian planets, are large planets with thick atmospheres, located farther from the Sun. This distinguishes them from rocky bodies and other types of planets.

What are asteroids?

• Rocky bodies found between Mars and Jupiter.

• Large planets with thick atmospheres, located farther from the Sun.

• Planets that are rocky and closer to the Sun.

• The process by which particles collide and stick together, forming larger bodies.

Answer explanation

Asteroids are defined as rocky bodies found between Mars and Jupiter, making the first answer choice correct. The other options describe different celestial objects or processes, not asteroids.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What is the main difference between terrestrial planets and gas giants?

• Terrestrial planets are made of ice, while gas giants are rocky.

• Terrestrial planets are rocky and closer to the Sun, while gas giants are gaseous and farther away.

• Gas giants are older than terrestrial planets.

• Gas giants do not orbit the Sun.

Answer explanation

Aiden is correct! Terrestrial planets are indeed rocky and located closer to the Sun, while gas giants are primarily composed of gases and are found farther away in the solar system.

Which statement best describes the nebular hypothesis?

• Planets were ejected from other galaxies.

• The solar system formed from a rotating cloud of gas and dust.

• Planets have always existed in their current state.

Answer explanation

The nebular hypothesis states that the solar system formed from a rotating cloud of gas and dust, which eventually coalesced to form the Sun and planets. This explains the origin of our solar system effectively.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

How did dust and gas in space come together to form planets?

• Accretion

• Magnets

• The Milky Way

• Nebula

Answer explanation

Accretion is the process by which tiny bits of dust and gas in space gradually clump together under gravity, forming larger bodies like planets. This process is essential for the growth of the worlds we know today.

Check ALL the boxes that list evidence supporting how planets formed in our solar system.

• Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus are named after Greek gods

• rocky planets formed near the sun

• temperatures were higher near the forming sun.

• the solar system is too complex to be described by accretion

Answer explanation

The evidence that rocky planets formed near the sun and that temperatures were higher near the forming sun supports the claim about planet formation, as these conditions influenced the types of planets that developed.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Which is the best REASONING for the nebular hypothesis?

• The nebular hypothesis explains the formation of planets from gas and dust through accretion.

• The nebular hypothesis explains why rocky planets are closer to the Sun and gas giants are farther away.

• The nebular hypothesis cannot explain the rapid formation of gas giants, so additional processes are likely.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that the nebular hypothesis describes how planets form from gas and dust through the process of accretion, which is fundamental to understanding planetary formation.

Why is understanding how our solar system formed important for studying Earth systems?

Answer explanation

Understanding solar system formation helps us grasp Earth's origins, climate, and geological processes. It reveals how planetary systems evolve, influencing Earth's environment and life, making it crucial for studying Earth systems.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

List the 8 planets in order from the sun.

(a)  

Answer explanation

The 8 planets in order from the sun are: mercury, venus, earth, mars, jupiter, saturn, uranus, and neptune. The correct order starts with mercury as the closest planet to the sun.