Objects in our Solar System 7.9A
Gravity and Motion
7.9B
7.9B
Characteristics of Life
7.9C
7.9C
Earth's Changes Over Time
7.10A
7.10A
Tectonics and Geological Events
7.10B
7.10B
100
These are the solids—from tiny dust particles to small rocks—that blaze briefly as they enter Earth’s atmosphere after breaking off from comets.
What are meteors?
100
The largest planet in our solar system exerts the strongest gravitational pull because of its enormous mass.
What is Jupiter?
100
This planet is 78% nitrogen, and 21% oxygen...
What is Earth?
100
Two key pieces of evidence supporting plate tectonics are the symmetrical magnetic stripes on the ocean floor and the mantle’s convection currents that move the crust.
What are magnetic stripes and convection currents?
100
At a divergent plate boundary, rising magma cools and hardens to create this continuous underwater mountain range.”
What is a mid-ocean ridge?
200
Identify two key objects in our solar system: one is the star whose gravity holds everything together, and the other is the giant planet known for its many moons and massive size
What are the Sun and Jupiter?
200
This force governs the orbital paths of planets, asteroids, and comets, keeping them in predictable elliptical orbits around the Sun.
What is gravity?
200
If a planets is located in the habitable zone aka 'goldilocks zone' what else is needed to sustain life?
“What is an atmosphere, liquid water and oxygen?
200
“This phenomenon—characterized by a symmetrical pattern of magnetic stripes on the seafloor that records Earth’s magnetic reversals—is strong evidence for plate tectonics
What are magnetic stripes?
200
This chain of volcanic islands, formed as an oceanic plate slowly moves over a stationary hotspot, is a prime example of this geologic process.
What is the formation of an island chain via a hotspot?
300
This dynamic system sees Earth revolving around the Sun while rotating on its axis, with the Moon orbiting Earth in a predictable celestial dance.
What is the Earth–Moon–Sun system?
300
Based on planetary mass comparisons, on this planet would a person weigh the least.
What is Mercury?
300
This blue planet’s ideal distance from the Sun, protective atmosphere, and liquid water make it uniquely suited for life.
What is Earth?
300
Among several indicators, the presence of mantle convection currents and the process of seafloor spreading are major lines of evidence for the theory of plate tectonics.
What are convection currents and seafloor spreading?
300
“Characterized by lateral movement along a fault, this type of plate boundary has tectonic plates sliding past one another.
What is a transform boundary?
400
This dazzling rock steals the spotlight for just a few seconds as it streaks through our night sky, burning up in a brilliant blaze before disappearing forever.
What is a meteor?
400
Without this fundamental force, the Moon would no longer orbit Earth and the planets would drift off their paths—explain why this occurs.
What is the absence of gravity and momentum?
400
If planets had a weightlifting competition, this gas giant would take home the gold medal for having the strongest gravitational pull.
What is Jupiter?
400
When examining layers of sediment, students find that fossils in the uppermost layer are younger than those in the deepest layer—a concept known as this principle.
What is the principle of superposition?
400
At this type of plate boundary, where two tectonic plates move apart, the result is typically the formation of a mid-ocean ridge...
What is a divergent boundary that produces a mid-ocean ridge?
500
In this cosmic dance, our home spins on its axis while orbiting a blazing star, all while its loyal satellite twirls around it. Who are these stellar performers?
What are the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon?
500
Once considered the ninth planet, this small celestial body was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 because its gravity isn’t strong enough to clear its orbit.
What is Pluto?
500
This former planet got ‘kicked out’ of the planetary club in 2006 because it couldn’t keep its neighborhood clean—astronomically speaking!
What is Pluto?
500
Thanks to this theory, we know that continents are basically on a super slow-motion rollercoaster ride, drifting around at about the speed your fingernails grow!
What is the theory of plate tectonics?
500
When two tectonic plates just can’t agree on which way to go, they slide past each other and cause a whole lot of shaking—sometimes enough to make your coffee spill!
What is a transform boundary?