Name: 
 

15.2 Quiz



Modified True/False
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.  If false, change the identified word or phrase to make the statement true.
 

 1. 

The planet with the largest diameter and mass, the largest strength of gravity and the most moons is Uranus. _________________________

 

 2. 

The planet with the widest range of surface temperatures is Earth. _________________________

 

Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
 

 3. 

The factor most responsible for the seasons of the year is the:
a.
distance of Earth from the Sun.
b.
speed of Earth in its orbit.
c.
tilt of Earth on its axis.
d.
sunspot cycle.
 

 4. 

Which planet is closest to Earth in diameter, mass and strength of gravity?
a.
Mercury
b.
Venus
c.
Mars
d.
Jupiter
 

 5. 

Which of these planets has the most extreme variations in temperature?
a.
Mercury
b.
Venus
c.
Jupiter
d.
Pluto
 

 6. 

Mars is similar to Earth in all of these ways EXCEPT:
a.
it has polar ice caps.
b.
it is tilted so it has seasons.
c.
its mass is about the same as Earth’s.
d.
its day is about the same length as Earth’s.
 

 7. 

All of the following planets rotate backwards (east to west) EXCEPT:
a.
Uranus.
b.
Pluto.
c.
Mercury.
d.
Venus.
 

 8. 

The graph which best illustrates the average temperatures of the planets in the solar system is:
a.
mc008-1-152.jpg
c.
mc008-3-152.jpg
b.
mc008-2-152.jpg
d.
mc008-4.jpg
 

 9. 

It would be difficult to live on the moon because it lacks all of the following EXCEPT:
a.
air.
b.
water.
c.
gravity.
d.
normal temperatures.
 

 10. 

The diagram which best represents the comparison between the diameters of the moon and Earth is:

mc010-1-152.jpg
a.
1
b.
2
c.
3
d.
4
 

 11. 

Craters caused by impact with meteorites are more common on the surface of the planet Mars than on Earth, Venus or Jupiter because:
a.
Mars has the greatest surface area and receives more impacts.
b.
the tiny moons of Mars are breaking into pieces and showering it with rock fragments.
c.
the thin atmosphere of Mars offers little protection from falling rock fragments.
d.
Mars has a strong magnetic field that attracts iron-bearing rocks from outer space.
 

 12. 

Gas planets formed because they were:
a.
hotter and more massive.
b.
hotter and less massive.
c.
cooler and more massive.
d.
cooler and less massive.
 

Completion
Complete each statement.
 
 
Select the correct term to complete each sentence. There are extra terms in the list.

JupiterVenusMars
Neptuneinertiacomet
asteroidmeteoritegas
terrestrialplanetsmasses
 

 13. 

The planet that is most nearly the same as Earth in diameter, mass and strength of gravity is ____________________.
 

 

Short Answer
 

 14. 

What makes up Saturn’s rings?
 

 15. 

State two reasons why Earth’s moon would a difficult place for humans to live.
 

 16. 

Explain why Earth’s northern hemisphere experiences warmer temperatures in summer and cooler temperatures in winter.
 

 17. 

What evidence suggests that Mars may have had flowing water on its surface at one time?
 

Essay
 

 18. 

Some astronomers have suggested that Pluto should not be classified as a planet. Describe two other categories of solar system objects into which Pluto might fit.
 



 
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