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CLASS 6 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Rocky planets and giant planets in the Solar System – basic principles

How it works

In the Solar System, a distinction is made between rocky planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) and giant planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). Rocky planets consist mainly of solid materials such as rock and metal, are relatively small, and are closer to the Sun. Giant planets consist predominantly of gases (Jupiter, Saturn: gas giants) or ice and gas (Uranus, Neptune: ice giants), are much larger and farther from the Sun. The differences concern structure, size, composition, number of moons, and the presence of rings.

Note
Rocky planets are small, solid planets near the Sun, whereas giant planets are large, mostly gaseous or icy, and farther away.

An example

Which of the following planets is a rocky planet?

Correct answer: Mars. Explanation: Mars is one of the four inner, solid rocky planets.

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Astronomy. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.