Terrestrial planets

Definition

Terrestrial planets are rocky planets with solid surfaces, located in the inner part of our solar system. They include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Terrestrial planets are composed primarily of silicate rocks and metals.
2. They have relatively high densities compared to gas giants.
3. The atmospheres of terrestrial planets vary greatly; for example, Venus has a thick carbon dioxide atmosphere while Mercury has almost none.
4. These planets have shorter orbital periods due to their proximity to the Sun.
5. Earth is the largest terrestrial planet in terms of diameter and mass.

Review Questions

• What are the main components that make up terrestrial planets?
• How do the atmospheres of terrestrial planets differ from one another?
• Which terrestrial planet has the shortest orbital period around the Sun?

Related terms

Gas Giants: Large planets with thick gaseous atmospheres, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.

Asteroid Belt: The region between Mars and Jupiter where most asteroids in our solar system are found.

Exoplanet: A planet beyond our solar system orbiting a star other than the Sun.