Picat General Science 4

Question 1

What is the outermost solid layer of the Earth called?

Accepted Answer

Crust

Answer

The crust is Earth's thin, solid outermost layer, divided into oceanic and continental types.

Question 2

Which planet in our solar system is closest to the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Mercury

Answer

Mercury is the innermost planet and orbits the Sun at an average distance of about 36 million miles.

Question 3

What is the primary cause of Earth's seasons?

Accepted Answer

The tilt of Earth's axis

Answer

Earth's 23.5° axial tilt causes different hemispheres to receive more direct sunlight at different times of year, creating seasons.

Question 4

What type of rock is formed when magma cools and solidifies?

Accepted Answer

Igneous

Answer

Igneous rock forms from the cooling and crystallization of molten rock (magma or lava).

Question 5

What is the term for the point on Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake?

Accepted Answer

Epicenter

Answer

The epicenter is the surface point directly above where seismic energy is released underground (the focus).

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