Which of the following is a key characteristic of all planets?

Responses

They are made up of mostly ice and dust
They are made up of mostly ice and dust

They orbit the sun and shine by reflecting light
They orbit the sun and shine by reflecting light

They are small rocky objects the burn upon entering Earth's atmosphere
They are small rocky objects the burn upon entering Earth's atmosphere

They have a tail that extends as it moves through space

7 answers

The key characteristic of all planets is that they orbit the sun and shine by reflecting light.

Which of the following best describes the role of gravity in the formation of planets, stars, and solar systems?(1 point)
Responses

Gravity causes the expansion of the universe.
Gravity causes the expansion of the universe.

Gravity prevents the formation of stars and planets.
Gravity prevents the formation of stars and planets.

Gravity brings together matter, leading to the formation of stars, planets, and solar systems.
Gravity brings together matter, leading to the formation of stars, planets, and solar systems.

Gravity is not involved in the formation of stars and planets.

The statement that best describes the role of gravity in the formation of planets, stars, and solar systems is: Gravity brings together matter, leading to the formation of stars, planets, and solar systems.

Which of the following best explains why the Southern Hemisphere experiences seasons opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere?(1 point)
Responses

The tilt of Earth's axis is reversed in the Southern Hemisphere.
The tilt of Earth's axis is reversed in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Southern Hemisphere is closer to the sun during its winter.
The Southern Hemisphere is closer to the sun during its winter.

The Southern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight during its summer.
The Southern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight during its summer.

The Southern Hemisphere has a longer revolution around the sun.

The statement that best explains why the Southern Hemisphere experiences seasons opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere is: The tilt of Earth's axis is reversed in the Southern Hemisphere.

However, please note that while the wording "reversed" might be misleading, the correct explanation is that during different times of the year, one hemisphere tilts toward the Sun while the other tilts away, resulting in opposite seasons. For example, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun and experiences summer, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away and experiences winter, and vice versa. If possible, a more precise statement could be: "The tilt of Earth's axis causes the two hemispheres to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year."

For each of the statements below, indicate whether the statement describes a scientific theory, a scientific law, or both. (1 point)
Scientific Theory Scientific Law Both
Can be modified if new evidence or information arises

Often represented by a mathematical formula

Explains how a natural phenomenon works

Describes a relationship that always occurs under specific conditions

Here’s how each statement can be categorized:

  1. Can be modified if new evidence or information arises: Scientific Theory
  2. Often represented by a mathematical formula: Scientific Law
  3. Explains how a natural phenomenon works: Scientific Theory
  4. Describes a relationship that always occurs under specific conditions: Scientific Law

So in summary:

  • Can be modified if new evidence or information arises: Scientific Theory
  • Often represented by a mathematical formula: Scientific Law
  • Explains how a natural phenomenon works: Scientific Theory
  • Describes a relationship that always occurs under specific conditions: Scientific Law