The inner planets worksheet answers unveil a captivating journey through the celestial wonders of our solar system. From the enigmatic Mercury to the vibrant Mars, these terrestrial worlds hold a wealth of secrets that ignite our curiosity and expand our understanding of the universe we inhabit.
Embarking on this exploration, we will delve into the physical characteristics, unique features, and intriguing differences that distinguish the inner planets from their distant counterparts. Along the way, we will encounter scorching temperatures, dense atmospheres, and tantalizing possibilities for life beyond Earth.
Inner Planets Overview
The inner planets are the four planets closest to the Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. They are made of rock and metal and are much smaller than the outer planets.
The inner planets are located in the inner solar system, which is the region of the solar system that lies between the Sun and the asteroid belt. The asteroid belt is a region of space that contains millions of asteroids, which are small rocky bodies that range in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers across.
Mercury
Mercury is the smallest and closest planet to the Sun. It is a rocky planet with a thin atmosphere and no moons. Mercury has a very hot surface, with temperatures reaching up to 450 degrees Celsius (840 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.
However, the nights on Mercury are very cold, with temperatures dropping to -180 degrees Celsius (-290 degrees Fahrenheit).
Mercury is a very cratered planet, with a surface that is covered in impact craters. The largest crater on Mercury is called the Caloris Basin, which is about 1,550 kilometers (960 miles) in diameter.
Venus, The inner planets worksheet answers
Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is very similar in size to Earth. It is a rocky planet with a thick atmosphere and no moons. Venus has a very hot surface, with temperatures reaching up to 460 degrees Celsius (860 degrees Fahrenheit).
The atmosphere of Venus is composed mostly of carbon dioxide, and it traps heat very effectively, making Venus the hottest planet in the solar system.
Venus is a very cloudy planet, and its surface is not visible from space. The clouds on Venus are made of sulfuric acid, and they reflect most of the sunlight that hits the planet.
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and is the only planet in the solar system that is known to support life. It is a rocky planet with a thick atmosphere and one moon. Earth has a moderate surface temperature, with an average temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).
Earth’s atmosphere is composed mostly of nitrogen and oxygen, and it contains a small amount of water vapor. The atmosphere of Earth protects the planet from harmful radiation from the Sun, and it also helps to regulate the planet’s temperature.
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and is the second smallest planet in the solar system. It is a rocky planet with a thin atmosphere and two moons. Mars has a cold surface, with an average temperature of about -63 degrees Celsius (-81 degrees Fahrenheit).
The atmosphere of Mars is composed mostly of carbon dioxide, and it contains a small amount of water vapor. The atmosphere of Mars is very thin, and it does not provide much protection from harmful radiation from the Sun.
User Queries: The Inner Planets Worksheet Answers
What is the unique characteristic of Mercury?
Mercury stands out for its lack of atmosphere and extreme temperature variations, with surface temperatures ranging from scorching highs to frigid lows.
What sets Venus apart from other planets?
Venus possesses a thick, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere that traps heat, resulting in the planet’s exceptionally high surface temperatures.
What makes Earth unique in our solar system?
Earth is distinguished by its liquid water oceans, which cover over 70% of its surface, and its life-sustaining atmosphere.
