Question

Answer the following question about planets.

1. What are the two types of planets we find in our solar system? Name the planets in each of
these two types and describe the main differences between the types? [5 marks]
2. Name two of the other types of planets we see orbiting other stars? [2 marks]
3. Name 3 other types of, non-planet, objects in our solar system and for each one explain
why they are not planets [3 marks]

Answer 1

1. The two types of planets we find in our solar system are terrestrial planets and gas giant planets.

a) Terrestrial Planets:

• Mercury
• Venus
• Earth
• Mars

b) Gas Giant Planets:

• Jupiter
• Saturn
• Uranus
• Neptune

2. Two types of planets orbiting other stars are:

• Super-Earths

• Hot Jupiters

3. Three other types of non-planet objects in our solar system are:

• Dwarf Planets
• Asteroids
• Comets