Formation and Structure of the Solar System unit 3

These flashcards cover the key concepts regarding the formation and structure of the solar system, including the origins of planets, comets, and characteristics of various celestial bodies.

What is the estimated age of the solar system?

More than 4.6 billion years old.

What does the nebular theory explain?

The formation of the solar system from a rotating cloud of gas and dust.

What process describes small particles colliding and sticking together to form larger masses?

Accretion.

Why do all planets in the solar system orbit in the same direction?

They formed from a rotating disk surrounding the young sun.

What defines a comet?

Rocky and metallic materials held together by frozen gases.

What is Halley's Comet known for?

Its return was predicted by Edmund Halley in 1758, occurring every 76 years.

Where do comets originate?

From the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud.

What is a meteoroid?

A small solid particle that travels through space.

What happens to a meteoroid when it enters Earth's atmosphere?

It becomes a meteor and burns up.

What is significant about the Barringer Meteorite Crater?

It is the first recognized meteorite crater located in Arizona.

What is Mars often referred to as?

The Red Planet.

What is the primary component of Mars' atmosphere?

Carbon dioxide.

What separates the inner planets from the outer planets?

The Asteroid Belt.

Which planet is known for having the Great Red Spot?

Jupiter.

What makes Saturn unique in its rotation?

It rotates the fastest among the planets, completing a rotation in just 10 hours.

How does Uranus rotate compared to other planets?

It appears to roll rather than spin; tilting 98 degrees causes this.

What is a defining feature of Neptune?

Strong winds that can exceed 1000 km/hr and its deep blue color.

Why was Pluto re-classified as a dwarf planet?

Due to its small size and distant orbit.