Question

warm-up
select the correct answer.
the root word terra means \land\ or \territory.\ terrestrial planets are the planets closest to the sun. why are they are called terrestrial planets? make your best guess.

they have the largest orbits.
they have moons.
they are made of rock and metal.
they are made of liquid and gas.

Explanation:

Analyze the root word meaning

The prompt states that the root word terra means "land" or "territory." This root implies a solid, ground-like surface.

Evaluate the options based on physical composition

• "They have the largest orbits": Incorrect, as inner planets have the smallest orbits.
• "They have moons": Incorrect, some do not have moons (Mercury, Venus), and gas giants have many more moons.
• "They are made of rock and metal": Correct, a solid rocky/metallic composition provides a solid ground ("land"), matching the root terra.
• "They are made of liquid and gas": Incorrect, this describes Jovian (gas giant) planets.

Answer:

• They have the largest orbits.
• They have moons.
• They are made of rock and metal. (Correct answer)
• They are made of liquid and gas.