Astronomy Practice Exam

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Study for your Astronomy Exam with our quiz. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare. Get ready to ace your test!

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Which of the following accurately describes terrestrial planets?

Four planets that are gas giants
Four planets that are located far from the Sun
Four planets that revolve around a different star
Four planets that are close to the Sun and have rocky surfaces

The correct answer is: Four planets that are close to the Sun and have rocky surfaces

The accurate characterization of terrestrial planets is that they are close to the Sun and have rocky surfaces. Terrestrial planets in our solar system include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are distinguished by their solid, rocky crusts, compared to gas giants, which are predominantly composed of gases and have no solid surface. The proximity to the Sun plays a significant role in their formation and composition. Being closer to the Sun results in higher temperatures which causes lighter gases to be stripped away, allowing these rocky planets to develop solid surfaces. This is a crucial factor differentiating terrestrial planets from gas giants, which are located further from the Sun and are primarily made up of hydrogen and helium. The other options do not accurately represent terrestrial planets: they are not gas giants, are not positioned far from the Sun, and do not revolve around a different star. This reinforces the significance of their rocky nature and their relative nearness to the Sun in classifying terrestrial planets.