Physics - Objects in the Universe
Flashcards
2022-01-18
What are the four characteristics of a planet (ORFC)?
- It is in _ _ O _ _ rbit around a star
- It has a mass large enough that gravity makes it _ _ R _ _ ound
- It has no _ _ F _ _ usion reactions
- It has _ _ C _ _ leared its orbit of most other objects
What is the difference between a planet and a dwarf planet?
A dwarf planet has not cleared its neighbourhood.
What is an asteroid?
An small, uneven and un-icy object that orbits the sun.
What are the two big categories of planetary satellites?
- Moons
- Satellites
What are comets?
Small, icy and irregular bodies made up of ice that orbit the sun in mainly eccentric elliptical orbits.
What sort of orbit does a comet have?
Highly eccentric and elliptical.
What are the two main differences between an asteroid and a comet?
- Comets are icy, whereas asteroids aren’t.
- Comets have highly eccentric and elliptical orbits, whereas asteroids have near-circular orbits.
What is the mnemonic for the order of the planets?
- My
- Very
- Eager
- Mother
- Just
- Served
- Us
- Noodles
What is the order of planets from the sun?
- Mercury
- Venus
- Earth
- Mars
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Uranus
- Neptune