terrestrial planet
Definition
A terrestrial planet is a planet that is made of rock and metal. It is also called a rocky planet.
Terrestrial planets are formed from the leftover materials that were left over after the formation of the Sun. These materials were mostly rock and metal, and they clumped together to form terrestrial planets.
Terrestrial planets have a solid surface because they are not massive enough to hold onto a gaseous atmosphere. They also have a molten core, which is where the heat from the planet's formation is still being generated.
The terrestrial planets in our solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Mercury is the smallest and closest planet to the Sun. Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system. Earth is the only planet in our solar system that is known to support life. Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and is the second smallest planet in our solar system.
How can the word be used?
The terrestrial planets are made up of rock and metal, and they have a solid surface.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
a planet that is made up of rock and metal and has a solid surface.
Etymology
The word "terrestrial planet" is a compound word, made up of the words "terrestrial" and "planet". The word "terrestrial" means "of or relating to the Earth", and the word "planet" means "a celestial body that orbits a star".
The literal meaning of the word "terrestrial planet" is "a planet that is of or relating to the Earth".
The word "terrestrial planet" is used to refer to the four inner planets of our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are made up of rock and metal, and they have a solid surface.
The word "terrestrial planet" is a common word that is used in astronomy and planetary science. It is a useful word for describing the four inner planets of our solar system.
Question
Name the terrestrial planets.
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the characteristics that define a terrestrial planet. Describe the key differences between terrestrial planets and gas giants. Provide an example of a well-known terrestrial planet within our solar system and discuss its unique features.
Answer:
Terrestrial planets are rocky, Earth-like planets with certain defining features. They have solid surfaces composed of rock and metal, and their atmospheres are generally thinner compared to gas giants. Terrestrial planets are typically closer to their host star and have shorter orbital periods.
In contrast, gas giants are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium and lack solid surfaces. Their massive atmospheres are thick and extend far into space. Gas giants, like Jupiter and Saturn, are often found in the outer regions of a solar system.
An illustrative example of a terrestrial planet is Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun in our solar system. Mars features a thin atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide. Its surface bears evidence of liquid water in the past, with features like river valleys and lakebeds. Mars is also known for its polar ice caps and the tallest volcano, Olympus Mons, which is significantly larger than any volcano on Earth.
Mars exemplifies the characteristics of a terrestrial planet, including its rocky composition, distinct surface features, and relatively thin atmosphere. The study of Mars provides valuable insights into the potential for past or present life on other planets and contributes to our broader understanding of planetary formation and evolution.