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1. The Earth’s rotational rate is decreasing due to the frictional forces the ti

ID: 161118 • Letter: 1

Question

1. The Earth’s rotational rate is decreasing due to the frictional forces the tides exert on the ocean floor. This means the length of the Earth day has increased over time.

True

False

2.

What is the most widely accepted theory on the formation of our solar system?

Nebular Theory

Big Bang Theory

Theory of General Relativity

Planck's Constant

3. _____ are chunks of dust, metal and rock particles that accreted during the early history of the solar system. These are the building blocks of planets.

Comets

Atmospheres

Nebulae

Planetesimals

4.

How many planets are in our solar system?

7

9

10

8

5. The formation of our Moon occurred as a result of:

violent volcanic eruptions on the early Earth spewing volcanic material into orbit that eventually coalesced.

a tremendous collision between an early Earth and a celestial body the size of Mars.

the collisions and accretions of interstellar gas and dust during the early stages of the solar system.

the freezing and ablation of hydrogen and helium ices prior to our Sun beginning the process of nuclear fusion.

Nebular Theory

Big Bang Theory

Theory of General Relativity

Planck's Constant

3. _____ are chunks of dust, metal and rock particles that accreted during the early history of the solar system. These are the building blocks of planets.

Comets

Atmospheres

Nebulae

Planetesimals

4.

How many planets are in our solar system?

7

9

10

8

5. The formation of our Moon occurred as a result of:

violent volcanic eruptions on the early Earth spewing volcanic material into orbit that eventually coalesced.

a tremendous collision between an early Earth and a celestial body the size of Mars.

the collisions and accretions of interstellar gas and dust during the early stages of the solar system.

the freezing and ablation of hydrogen and helium ices prior to our Sun beginning the process of nuclear fusion.

Explanation / Answer

1.

Answer: True

Explanation: The mutual attraction between the Earth, the Moon and the Sun creates tides on the ocean floor. These tides slow down the rotational rate of the Earth, which means there is a decrease in the rotational rate of the Earth. This decreasing rotational rate increases the length of the day.

2.

Answer: Nebular Theory

Explanation: Nebular theory was proposed by Immanuel Kant in the 18th century. This theory explains the formation and evolution of the solar system, which was formed by rotating hot nebula that took spherical shapes, due to the gravitational forces.

3.

Answer: Planetesimals

Explanation: Planetesimals are solid metal particles and chunks of dust, which form planets. Hence, this theory is called Planetesimal hypothesis.

4.

Answer: 8

Explanation: The solar system was formed by nine large planets. However, recently, astronomers have declared that Pluto is not a planet, as it does not satisfy one of the three planetary conditions. Hence, Solar system consists of only eight planets.