AnswersAZ-Earth and Space Science AOther Objects in the Solar System

Other Objects in the Solar System Answers

10 verified answers2 views
1
Free Preview

Use the information from the article to answer the question.Asteroids and CometsWhich statements describe the characteristics of asteroids? Select three options.

A
formed 4.6 billion years ago
B
orbit the Sun beyond Jupiter
C
range in size from a few miles to more than 300 plus miles across
D
have a total mass greater than the mass of the moon
E
most are found in the asteroid belt
2
Free Preview

Sample Response: In 2003, astronomers discovered a new object beyond Pluto that they named Eris. That discovery caused astronomers to talk about the defining characteristics of a planet. They decided that because of its size and location, Pluto, along with Eris, were not planets. Pluto, Eris, and objects like them are now classified as dwarf planets. Which did you include in your answer? Check all that apply.In 2003, astronomers discovered Eris.The discovery of Eris caused astronomers to talk ab

A
In 2003, astronomers discovered Eris.
B
The discovery of Eris caused astronomers to talk about the defining characteristics of a planet.
C
Because Pluto has not cleared its orbit, it is not considered to be a planet.
D
Pluto, Eris, and other objects like them are now classified as dwarf planets.
3

Use the information from the article to answer the question. Asteroids and CometsWhich statement best explains the location of the asteroid belt?

A
Most asteroids can be found between Mars and Jupiter.
B
The formation of the solar system produced planets as well as asteroids orbiting the Sun.
C
The gravitational pull of the Sun brought all asteroids in the solar system together in one area.
D
The size of asteroids caused them to orbit the Sun at a similar distance.
4

Use the information from the article to answer the question.Asteroids and CometsWhich statements apply to comets? Check all that apply.

A
formed of ice, rock, and dust
B
contain a liquid core
C
develop tails near the Sun
D
orbit gas giants like Jupiter and Neptune
5

Use the information from the article to answer the question.MeteorsWhich statements apply to meteors?Meteors are bits of material falling through Earth's atmosphere.Meteor showers are associated with asteroids.Meteors create a streak of light.The largest meteor found has a mass of 54,000 kg.Meteor showers occur in the autumn and winter.

A
Meteors are bits of material falling through Earth's atmosphere.
B
Meteor showers are associated with asteroids.
C
Meteors create a streak of light.
D
The largest meteor found has a mass of 54,000 kg.
E
Meteor showers occur in the autumn and winter.
7

Use the information from the article to answer the question.PlutoWhy is Pluto now called a dwarf planet?

Answer:

Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet because the discovery of the object Eris in 2003 led astronomers to redefine the characteristics of a planet. They determined that due to Pluto's size and location (specifically its failure to clear its orbital path of other objects), it does not meet the criteria for a major planet and is instead categorized as a dwarf planet along with Eris.

9

Where is the Oort cloud located?

A
between the orbit of Mars and the orbit of Jupiter
B
in the different orbits between the sun and Neptune
C
beyond the Kuiper belt, at the farthest end of the solar system
D
all over the solar system and between the orbits of the planets
10

Which statement describes the Oort cloud?

A
It is shaped like a donut.
B
It contains huge icy objects.
C
It is home to short-period comets.
D
It is about 1,000 AU from the Sun.

Did you find these answers helpful?