Solar System Overview

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What is the main factor governing the motion of all members of the solar system?

Gravitational force of the planets

Magnetic force of the planets

Gravitational force of the sun (correct)

Magnetic force of the sun

Which heavenly body accounts for almost 99.9 percent of the matter in the whole solar system?

Sun (correct)

Comets

Asteroids

Meteors

How old is the solar system?

5 billion years (correct)

10 billion years

2 billion years

15 billion years

What is the sun mainly composed of?

Hydrogen gas Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate distance from the earth to the sun?

$150\times10^6$ kilometers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of energy for the Earth?

Nuclear fusion reactions in the sun's photosphere Signup and view all the answers

Why is the temperature at the centre of the sun significantly higher than at its surface?

The sun's core is where nuclear fusion reactions occur, leading to higher temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Why is the corona of the sun visible only during a total eclipse?

The sun's photosphere blocks the view of the corona except during an eclipse Signup and view all the answers

What is responsible for making the surface of the sun appear like a bright disc to us?

The shining disc of the sun, known as photosphere Signup and view all the answers

What forms the outer layer of the sun's atmosphere?

Thin, hot gases making up the corona Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason that planets appear big and do not twinkle at night?

They reflect the light of the sun Signup and view all the answers

Which planet in our solar system lacks the criteria of 'clearing the neighborhood' around its orbit, leading it to be classified as a dwarf planet?

Pluto Signup and view all the answers

According to the IAU's definition, what characteristic must a celestial body have to be classified as a planet in our Solar System?

Cleared the neighborhood around its orbit Signup and view all the answers

Among the 8 major planets in our solar system, which one is identified as the biggest planet?

Jupiter Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of a planet's brightness at night?

Reflection of sunlight Signup and view all the answers

Which planet in our solar system is closest to the Sun?

Mercury Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic that distinguishes a planet from a dwarf planet according to the IAU's definition?

'Clearing the neighborhood' around its orbit Signup and view all the answers

What factor determines whether a celestial body in our Solar System will be classified as a planet or a dwarf planet?

Whether it has cleared its orbital path Signup and view all the answers