chpt13 solar system

what does the solar system consist of?

-central star(the Sun)

-the nine planets orbiting the sun

-moons, asteroids, comets, meteors, interplanetary gas, dust

-all the "space"in between them

what are the 8 planets named for

Greek and Roman gods/goddesses

list the terrestrial planets

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars

properties of terrestrial planets

-close to sun

-small masses, radii

-rocky, solid surfaces

-high densities

-slow rotation

-weak magnetic field

-no rings

-few moons

list the jovian planets

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

properties of jovian planets

-far from sun

-large masses and radii

-gaseous surface

-low densities

-fast rotation

-strong magnetic field

-many rings

-many moons

sun's energy comes from

nuclear fusion

-hydrogen is converted to helium within its core

-energy released as light and heat

do stars or planets reflect light?

-planets reflect light

-stars produce light

how does the star's temperature affect its color

-coldest stars are red

-hottest stars are blue

how are planets organized

according to composition and size

small rocky planets

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars

gas giants

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

What are small rocky planets primarily made of?

They are made up mostly of rock and metal.

How heavy are small rocky planets?

They are very heavy.

How do small rocky planets move in space?

They move slowly in space.

Do small rocky planets have rings?

They have no rings and few moons (if any).

What is the maximum diameter of small rocky planets?

They have a diameter of less than 13,000 km.

What is the closest planet to the sun?

Mercury

What is the smallest planet in the solar system?

Mercury

What is the temperature range on Mercury?

800°F daytime to -270°F nighttime

Does Mercury have an atmosphere?

No

How long does it take Mercury to complete one revolution around the sun?

88 Earth days

What geological features on Mercury protect ice from the sun?

Craters and their shadows

What is the brightest object in the sky after the sun and moon?

Venus

Why is Venus the brightest object in the sky after the sun and moon?

Its atmosphere reflects light so well.

What is the maximum surface temperature of Venus?

900°F

Does Venus have any moons?

No, Venus has no moons.

How long does it take Venus to complete one orbit around the sun?

225 days

What is unique about Earth in the solar system?

Earth is the only planet known to support living organisms.

What percentage of Earth's surface is composed of water?

71%

Why is water important for life on Earth?

Water is necessary for life on Earth.

How do the oceans contribute to Earth's climate?

The oceans help maintain Earth's stable temperatures.

How many moons does Earth have?

One moon.

What type of atmosphere does Earth have?

An oxygen-rich atmosphere.

How long does it take the moon to complete one rotation?

Approximately 29 days

What is unique about the moon's rotation in relation to Earth?

The same side of the moon always faces us

What is the surface of the moon covered in?

Dust and rocky debris from meteor impacts

Does the moon have water or an atmosphere?

No, it has neither

What does the moon do with sunlight?

It reflects light from the sun onto the earth's surface

What are the ice caps on Mars made of?

Ice - at its poles

What is the largest volcano in our solar system?

Olympus Mons - on mars, approximately 15 miles high

Why does Mars appear red?

Because of iron oxide, or rust, in its soil

How many moons does Mars have?

Two

How long does it take Mars to complete an orbit around the Sun?

About two years

What are gas giants primarily made of?

Hydrogen and helium

How do gas giants compare in weight to their size?

They are very light for their size

How do gas giants move in space?

They move quickly in space

Do gas giants have rings and moons?

Yes, they have rings and many moons

What is the maximum diameter of gas giants?

Less than 48,000 km

What is the largest planet in our solar system?

Jupiter

How many times larger is Jupiter's diameter compared to Earth's?

11 times

How long does it take Jupiter to orbit the sun?

About 12 years

How many known moons does Jupiter have?

16 moons