Kerala SSLC · Physics · Class 10
Stars and the Solar System: Important Questions with Answers
These are 10 important multiple-choice questions from the Kerala SSLC Physics chapter “Stars and the Solar System” (Kerala SCERT syllabus). Each one shows the correct answer and a short explanation of why it is right. Try answering before you read the answer. ExamSummary has 10 practice questions on this chapter in total.
Q1.In astronomy, which physical quantity is measured using the unit 'Light Year'?
- A)Time
- B)Speed
- C)Distance
- D)Mass
Answer: C) Distance
A light year is defined as the distance that light travels in a vacuum in one year. It is used to express vast interstellar distances, not the duration of time.
Q2.Why do stars appear to twinkle while planets generally do not?
- A)Stars emit fluctuating light
- B)Atmospheric refraction of starlight
- C)Planets are much brighter
- D)Stars move faster than planets
Answer: B) Atmospheric refraction of starlight
Twinkling occurs because starlight undergoes continuous atmospheric refraction due to varying air densities. Planets appear as discs rather than point sources, minimizing this effect.
Q3.In which region of the Solar System is the main asteroid belt located?
- A)Between Mercury and Venus
- B)Between Mars and Jupiter
- C)Beyond Neptune
- D)Between Earth and Mars
Answer: B) Between Mars and Jupiter
The primary asteroid belt lies in the gap between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This region contains numerous rocky bodies that did not coalesce into a planet.
Q4.Which constellation is commonly known as 'Saptarishi' in Indian astronomy?
- A)Orion
- B)Cassiopeia
- C)Ursa Major
- D)Scorpio
Answer: C) Ursa Major
Saptarishi refers to the seven sages, which corresponds to the Big Dipper asterism within the Ursa Major constellation. It is easily visible in the northern sky throughout the year.
Q5.What determines the color of a star?
- A)Its distance from Earth
- B)Its surface temperature
- C)Its mass alone
- D)Its age only
Answer: B) Its surface temperature
The color of a star indicates its surface temperature, with blue stars being hotter than red stars. As a star heats up, the peak wavelength of emitted light shifts towards the blue end of the spectrum.
Q6.Regarding comets, in which direction does the tail always point relative to the Sun?
- A)Towards the Sun
- B)Away from the Sun
- C)Perpendicular to the orbit
- D)Randomly based on wind
Answer: B) Away from the Sun
Solar wind and radiation pressure push the dust and gas particles away from the Sun. Consequently, the comet's tail always points away from the Sun regardless of the comet's direction of travel.
Q7.Why does the same side of the Moon always face the Earth?
- A)The Moon does not rotate
- B)Its rotation period equals its revolution period
- C)Earth's gravity stops its spin
- D)It is tidally locked to the Sun
Answer: B) Its rotation period equals its revolution period
The Moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning its rotational period matches its orbital period around Earth. This synchronization ensures that one hemisphere constantly faces our planet.
Q8.Where are nebulae primarily found in the context of stellar evolution?
- A)At the death of all stars
- B)As the birthplace of new stars
- C)Inside planetary cores
- D)Between galaxies only
Answer: B) As the birthplace of new stars
Nebulae are vast clouds of dust and gas where gravitational collapse leads to star formation. They represent the early stages in the life cycle of a star before nuclear fusion begins.
Q9.Which of the following lists correctly orders the four inner planets from the Sun?
- A)Earth, Venus, Mars, Mercury
- B)Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars
- C)Mars, Earth, Venus, Mercury
- D)Mercury, Mars, Earth, Venus
Answer: B) Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars
The inner terrestrial planets are arranged by increasing distance from the Sun as Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. This order defines the structure of the inner Solar System.
Q10.What distinguishes an artificial satellite from a natural satellite?
- A)Artificial satellites are larger
- B)Artificial satellites are human-made
- C)Natural satellites orbit the Sun
- D)Artificial satellites have no gravity
Answer: B) Artificial satellites are human-made
Natural satellites form naturally, like the Moon, whereas artificial satellites are constructed by humans for communication or observation. Both orbit planets, but their origin differs significantly.