Earth: The Unique Planet Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the unique characteristics and habitability factors of Earth as presented in the Earth & Life Science lecture.

Earth

The third planet from the sun and the only place in the known universe confirmed to host life.

Earth's Radius

The measurement of Earth from its center to its surface, which is $3,959\,\text{miles}$.

Earth's Size Rank

Earth's position as the fifth largest planet in our solar system.

Distance from the Sun

The Earth is located $93,000,000\,\text{miles}$ away from the Sun.

Sunlight Arrival Time

It takes about $500\,\text{seconds}$ for sunlight to reach the surface of the Earth.

Earth's Atmosphere

A layer capable of trapping heat and housing important gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen which cause the planet to warm.

Earth's Size and Mass

Properties directly related to gravitational pull; if a planet is bigger in these, the transcript states its gravitational pull is weaker.

Earth's Magnetic Field

A protective shield that deflects electromagnetic radiation from the Sun and prevents the destruction of the ozone layer.

Presence of Water

A unique feature where water exists as gas, liquid, and solid to provide cooling effects and transport materials in and out of cells.