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Questions and Answers
The largest of such objects are the eight planets, in order from the Sun: four terrestrial planets named ______, ______, Earth and Mars, two gas giants named Jupiter and Saturn, and two ice giants named Uranus and Neptune.
The largest of such objects are the eight planets, in order from the Sun: four terrestrial planets named ______, ______, Earth and Mars, two gas giants named Jupiter and Saturn, and two ice giants named Uranus and Neptune.
Mercury, Venus
The terrestrial planets have a definite surface and are mostly made of ______ and metal.
The terrestrial planets have a definite surface and are mostly made of ______ and metal.
rock
The gas giants are mostly made of ______ and helium, while the ice giants are mostly made of 'volatile' substances such as water, ammonia, and methane.
The gas giants are mostly made of ______ and helium, while the ice giants are mostly made of 'volatile' substances such as water, ammonia, and methane.
hydrogen
In some texts, these terrestrial and giant planets are called the ______ Solar System and outer Solar System planets respectively.
In some texts, these terrestrial and giant planets are called the ______ Solar System and outer Solar System planets respectively.
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The Solar System was formed 4.6 billion years ago from the gravitational collapse of a giant interstellar molecular cloud. Over time, the cloud formed the Sun and a protoplanetary disk that gradually coalesced to form planets and other objects. That is the reason why all eight planets have an orbit that lies ______.
The Solar System was formed 4.6 billion years ago from the gravitational collapse of a giant interstellar molecular cloud. Over time, the cloud formed the Sun and a protoplanetary disk that gradually coalesced to form planets and other objects. That is the reason why all eight planets have an orbit that lies ______.
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Study Notes
Planets of the Solar System
- Eight planets in the Solar System are categorized as terrestrial, gas giants, and ice giants.
- Terrestrial planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars.
- Gas giants: Jupiter, Saturn.
- Ice giants: Uranus, Neptune.
Characteristics of Planet Types
- Terrestrial planets have solid surfaces, primarily composed of silicate rock and metal.
- Gas giants are primarily made of hydrogen and helium.
- Ice giants contain volatile substances like water, ammonia, and methane.
Terminology
- Terrestrial planets are referred to as inner Solar System planets.
- Gas giants and ice giants are categorized as outer Solar System planets.
Formation of the Solar System
- The Solar System formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago.
- Originated from the gravitational collapse of a giant interstellar molecular cloud.
- The cloud's collapse resulted in the formation of the Sun and a protoplanetary disk.
- This protoplanetary disk gradually coalesced, leading to the formation of planets and other celestial objects.
Orbital Properties
- All eight planets have orbits that lie nearly in the same plane due to the formation process of the Solar System.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the Solar System and its fascinating celestial bodies in this quiz! From the inner terrestrial planets to the outer gas and ice giants, challenge yourself on everything from their names to their unique characteristics and composition.
