Worked example
The Sun produces its own light and is the center of our solar system. What is it?
Answer & why
Answer: a star
The Sun is a star that releases energy through nuclear fusion.
Grade 5 · Science
Distinguish stars, planets and moons
Classify familiar space objects by their relationships and light production.
6 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
The Moon orbits Earth and reflects sunlight. What is it?
- an asteroid
- a natural moon
- a planet
- a star
A hint
A star produces light; a planet orbits a star and is mainly seen by reflected light.
Answer & why
Answer: a natural moon
The Moon is Earth’s natural satellite.
Question 2
Mars orbits the Sun and does not shine like a star. What is Mars?
- a natural moon
- a planet
- an asteroid
- a star
A hint
A star produces light; a planet orbits a star and is mainly seen by reflected light.
Answer & why
Answer: a planet
Mars is a planet in the solar system.
Question 3
A small rocky body in the main belt orbits the Sun but is not a planet. Which listed class fits?
- a natural moon
- a planet
- an asteroid
- a star
A hint
A star produces light; a planet orbits a star and is mainly seen by reflected light.
Answer & why
Answer: an asteroid
The scenario describes an asteroid in the solar system’s main belt.
Question 4
A distant object produces its own light through fusion, like the Sun. Which listed class fits?
- an asteroid
- a star
- a natural moon
- a planet
A hint
A star produces light; a planet orbits a star and is mainly seen by reflected light.
Answer & why
Answer: a star
Fusion-powered light production is characteristic of stars.
Question 5
The Sun produces its own light and is the center of our solar system. What is it?
- an asteroid
- a star
- a natural moon
- a planet
A hint
A star produces light; a planet orbits a star and is mainly seen by reflected light.
Answer & why
Answer: a star
The Sun is a star that releases energy through nuclear fusion.
Question 6
Earth orbits the Sun and is seen from space mainly by reflected sunlight. What is Earth?
- a natural moon
- a star
- a planet
- an asteroid
A hint
A star produces light; a planet orbits a star and is mainly seen by reflected light.
Answer & why
Answer: a planet
Earth is one of the solar system’s planets.