Layout/Parts
Orbits
Miscellaneous/Review
100
What is the name of the start closest to the Earth?
the Sun
100
What is the name of the force that holds Earth in orbit around the Sun?
gravity
100
The sun rises in the ________.
east
200
Earth is part of the __________ planets, that are also called the inner planets.
terrestrial
200
Earth's orbit around the Sun is in what shape? (what shape would the orbit look like from space?)
circular, or circle
200
The motion that describes why we have day and night on Earth is ____________.
Earth's rotation
300
Saturn is one of the _________________ planets, also called the outer planets.
gas giant
300
The movement of the Sun in our sky on Earth is due to Earth's _____________.
rotation (spinning on its axis)
300
If a shadow is right below an object, making a "puddle" around the bottom, what time of day is it?
noon
400
Why is Mercury closest to the sun, but not the hottest planet?
Mercury does not have an atmosphere to keep heat in.
400
What could happen to the planets without the gravitational pull from the Sun?
The planets would float off into outer space.
400
How often do we normally see a full Moon?
once a month
500
Explain the difference between "rotation" of a planet and the "revolution" of a planet.
Rotation is the spinning of a planet on its own axis, which determines night and day. Revolution is how a planet moves around the Sun (or orbit), which determines the seasons.
500
Explain how the "swinging a ball on string" demonstration, modeled the Earth-Sun system.
Law of motion states that any object in motion will travel in a straight line, unless another force pulls or pushes the object. The ball is the Earth, and your hand is the Sun. The string represents the gravity between the Earth and the Sun. As long as the gravity is pulling on Earth, the planet will stay in an orbit around the Sun.
500
The Sun is mostly made up of two gases, what are they?
hydrogen and helium
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