What lies between Mars and Jupiter in the solar system?

Prepare for the Praxis Pennsylvania Grades 4–8 Core Assessment. Study using flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Success awaits!

The asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter in the solar system. This region is populated by numerous small rocky bodies known as asteroids, which range in size from tiny rocks to those hundreds of kilometers in diameter. The gravitational influence of Jupiter prevented the material in this zone from coalescing into a full-sized planet during the early formation of the solar system.

In contrast, the outer solar system is primarily home to the gas giants and doesn't specifically refer to the area between Mars and Jupiter. The Kuiper belt is located beyond the orbit of Neptune and contains many icy bodies, including dwarf planets like Pluto. The inner solar system, while encompassing the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, does not extend through the region between Mars and Jupiter. Thus, the asteroid belt is the most accurate and relevant choice.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy