Which planet is closest to the Sun and is rocky?

Study for the GMAS 8th Grade Science Test. Engage with interactive quizzes and practice exams, complete with detailed explanations and insights. Boost your confidence and ace the test!

Multiple Choice

Which planet is closest to the Sun and is rocky?

Explanation:
Understanding which planet is closest to the Sun and has a rocky surface means recognizing two ideas at once: proximity to the Sun and a solid, rocky composition. Mercury fits both parts. It is the innermost planet, so it orbits closer to the Sun than any other planet. It is also a terrestrial planet, meaning its surface is solid rock and metal with only a very thin atmosphere. The other rocky planets—Venus, Earth, and Mars—play by the “rocky” rule, but they orbit farther from the Sun than Mercury, so they don’t meet the “closest” condition.

Understanding which planet is closest to the Sun and has a rocky surface means recognizing two ideas at once: proximity to the Sun and a solid, rocky composition. Mercury fits both parts. It is the innermost planet, so it orbits closer to the Sun than any other planet. It is also a terrestrial planet, meaning its surface is solid rock and metal with only a very thin atmosphere. The other rocky planets—Venus, Earth, and Mars—play by the “rocky” rule, but they orbit farther from the Sun than Mercury, so they don’t meet the “closest” condition.

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