Questions and Answers
What makes planet Earth different from the other planets in the solar system?
Which statement does not describe planet Earth?
What makes planet Earth a 'house' for living organisms?
Which is not true about Earth when compared to Mars?
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What benefits does the Earth’s atmosphere give to endure life on Earth?
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Planet Earth is considered as 'blue planet.' Which of the following best describes the surface of planet Earth?
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Approximately, how many percent of water comprises the Earth?
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What are the factors that make Earth habitable?
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What makes human and other living organisms capable to live on Earth?
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What makes Earth uniquely different from any other planet in the Solar system?
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What is the reason why every living thing on Earth has the chance of survival?
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Planet Earth has a mean temperature of _____ degrees Celsius.
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The distance from the Sun to Earth is approximately _____ million kilometers.
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What are the major greenhouse gases present on Earth?
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Which planet is known as the 'red planet'?
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Match the following planets with their key features:
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Why is Earth called 'the living planet'?
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Which among the set of planets are called terrestrial?
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What makes the planet Earth habitable compared to other planets?
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What makes planet Earth habitable?
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Why is Earth called a terrestrial planet?
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Which of the following best describes the surface of the planet Earth?
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Earth is said to be a unique planet. Which answer verifies the statement?
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Which is supported and sustained by the planet?
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How many percent of water comprises the Earth?
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Which factors are needed for organisms to live on Earth?
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What characteristics does the Earth have to maintain an organism’s body to survive?
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What makes Earth similar to Venus?
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Which statement about the Earth’s energy in sustaining life is incorrect?
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Which distinct characteristic made Earth different from any other planet?
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What does Earth offer to humans in order to sustain life?
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Study Notes
Introduction to the Module
- Self-Learning Module (SLM) promotes home-based education on Earth's nature.
- Focuses on characteristics supporting life, emphasizing the "living planet" concept.
Key Characteristics of Earth
- Earth is the only planet confirmed to support life.
- It has a molten nickel-iron core which generates a protective magnetic field.
- The atmosphere shields the planet from harmful solar radiation.
Factors Contributing to Habitability
- Liquid water is essential; Earth is covered by approximately 70% water.
- Earth is located in the habitable zone, maintaining a comfortable distance from the sun.
- Atmospheric composition includes nitrogen and oxygen, crucial for life.
Unique Features of Earth
- Known as the "blue planet" due to extensive water coverage.
- The lithosphere consists of crust and upper mantle, providing essential minerals.
- Supports diverse ecosystems and weather patterns favorable for life.
Comparison with Other Terrestrial Planets
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Similarities with Venus and Mars:
- All three are terrestrial, composed of solid rocks and silicates.
- Similar rotation periods on their axes.
- Presence of carbon dioxide and various landforms.
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Differences:
- Venus lacks liquid water and has an extremely dense atmosphere.
- Mars has minimal oxygen and limited water resources.
- Earth uniquely supports diverse life forms.
Importance of Key Factors
- Temperature control allows liquid water's existence, critical for biochemical reactions.
- Sufficient atmospheric pressure prevents the escape of water vapor to space.
- Adequate energy input supports life while managing harmful solar radiation.
Earth’s Nutrient Cycles
- The water cycle and volcanic activity are crucial for nutrient transportation and replenishment.
- Unique geophysical features support life by delivering essential chemicals.
Summary of Conditions for Life
- Earth’s conditions include:
- Just-right temperatures (-15°C to 115°C) allow for liquid water.
- A balanced atmosphere provides insulation and protects against radiation.
- Energy resources (light and chemical) are correctly maintained to support life processes.
Conclusion on Earth’s Uniqueness
- Earth’s distinct characteristics enable it to be the only known habitat for life.
- Continuous study and understanding of these elements are vital for appreciating its uniqueness in the solar system.### Planetary Comparison: Venus, Earth, Mars
- Venus has a mass of 4.87 x 10^24 kg, while Earth has 5.97 x 10^24 kg, and Mars has 0.642 x 10^24 kg.
- Earth's diameter is 12,756 km, Venus's is 12,104 km, and Mars's diameter is 6,792 km.
- Density is highest in Earth (5514 kg/m³), followed by Venus (5243 kg/m³) and then Mars (3933 kg/m³).
- Surface gravity is strongest on Earth (9.8 m/s²), followed by Venus (8.9 m/s²), and weakest on Mars (3.7 m/s²).
- Escape velocities: Venus at 10.4 km/s, Earth at 11.2 km/s, and Mars at 5 km/s.
- Atmospheric pressure is vastly higher on Venus (92 bars) compared to Earth (1 bar) and Mars (0.01 bar).
- Venus's atmosphere consists of 96% CO2 and 3.5% N, Earth's of 77% N, 21% O2, and 1% Ar, and Mars's is 95% CO2, with smaller amounts of N and Ar.
- Major greenhouse gas is CO2 for Venus, Earth, and Mars, with Earth's atmosphere also containing H2O.
- Mean temperatures: Venus has a scorching 464°C, Earth has a mild 15°C, and Mars is frigid at -65°C.
- If greenhouse gases were absent, temperatures would drastically decrease to -46°C on Venus, -18°C on Earth, and -57°C on Mars.
- Temperature increases due to greenhouse gases show a significant rise of +523°C on Venus, +33°C on Earth, and +10°C on Mars.
- Distances from the Sun: Venus at 108.2 million km, Earth at 149.6 million km, and Mars at 227.9 million km.
- Orbital periods are 224.7 days for Venus, 365.2 days for Earth, and 687 days for Mars.
- Orbital velocities: Venus travels at 35 km/s, Earth at 29.8 km/s, and Mars at 24.1 km/s.
- Length of day: 2802 hours on Venus, 24 hours on Earth, and 24.7 hours on Mars.
- Earth possesses a global magnetic field, while Venus and Mars do not.
Habitability of Earth
- Earth is habitable due to its optimal distance from the Sun, magnetic field protection against solar radiation, and insulating atmosphere.
- Liquid water is present on Earth's surface, a key differentiator from Venus and Mars.
- Earth, Venus, and Mars share characteristics: terrestrial structure, atmosphere presence, similar rotation times, water presence (for Earth and Mars), and landforms.
- Key differences: Venus lacks water, both Venus and Mars have no oxygen, and Earth supports life.
Terraforming Mars
- Discusses the potential to adjust Mars' environment to support human life.
- Emphasizes exploration of strategies for creating a habitable atmosphere on Mars.
Challenges and Trivia Questions
- Quiz questions focus on Earth's unique life-supporting properties, including water composition (approximately 70%) and the various protective functions of the atmosphere.
- Questions also highlight the commonalities and distinctions among Earth, Venus, and Mars in terms of composition, temperature, and ability to support life.
Additional Activities
- Students are encouraged to use creativity to conceptualize their own planets, considering aspects like location, weather, and potential life forms.
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Description
Explore the fascinating beginnings and makeup of our planet in this quiz about Earth and Life Science. Delve into Module 1, which covers the origin theories and structural components that define Planet Earth. Test your knowledge and understanding of geological and atmospheric processes.
