Orbits
What shape do planets follow in their orbits?
Elliptical
What is the formula for gravitational force?
F = G (M1 x M2) / R^2
What phase occurs when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun?
New Moon
Name the largest planet in our solar system
Jupiter
What is a meteoroid?
A small rocky or metallic body in space
Who was the astronomer that developed laws of planetary motion?
Johannes Kepler
How does distance affect gravitational attraction?
It decreases with the square of the distance
What is the name of the phase when the Moon is half illuminated?
Quarter Moon
What is the main component of the Sun?
Hydrogen
What causes a comet's tail?
Sublimation of ice when near the Sun
What is the term for the distance between the foci of an ellipse?
Focal distance
What are the two types of orbits discussed in class?
Low-Earth orbit and Geosynchronous orbit
What are the two main types of eclipses?
Solar and Lunar
What is unique about Venus's rotation?
It rotates backward (retrograde rotation)
Where is the asteroid belt located?
Between Mars and Jupiter
What does the term "eccentricity" describe in an orbit?
How "stretched" an ellipse is
What keeps satellites in motion around Earth?
The balance of gravity's pull and the satellite's inertia
What causes the changing phases of the Moon?
The relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.
What are the inner planets known for?
They are rocky and dense
Pluto
What principle explains why planets move faster when closer to the Sun?
Conservation of angular momentum
What happens to gravitational force between two objects if the distance between them doubles?
The force becomes one-fourth as strong because gravity follows an inverse square law.
Why are solar eclipses considered rare events?
The Moon's orbital plane is tilted, requiring precise alignment.
What distinguishes dwarf planets from regular planets?
They have not cleared their orbits of other debris
What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?
A meteor burns in the atmosphere, while a meteorite survives impact with Earth