Chapter 7

Question 1

“What are some patterns in the solar system?”

Tilts of orbits?

Answer 1

Orbits are mostly flat

Question 2

“What are some patterns in the solar system?”

directions of orbits?

Answer 2

» Planets orbit in same direction around the sun
» Planets MOSTLY spin in same direction (except
Venus backwards, Uranus on its side)

Question 3

“What are some patterns in the solar system?

different kinds of planet ?

Answer 3

Planets grouped in two: Terrestrial and Jovian

Question 4

“What are some patterns in the solar system?”

Where are Terrestrial and Jovian planets?

Answer 4

Terrestrial planets are rocky, relatively small, and close to
the Sun.
• Jovian planets are gaseous, larger, and farther from the
Sun.

Question 5

“What are some patterns in the solar system?”

directions that planets spin in?

Answer 5

» Planets MOSTLY spin in same direction (except

Venus backwards, Uranus on its side)

Question 6

What are some exceptions to those patterns?

Answer 6

– Notable exceptions: rotation of Uranus, Earth’s large moon