Knock out the cratering myths

Exercise and reference answers

Questions

1. Question

   Three of these statements about the Moon's craters are false.

   Choices

   1. Explanation

      They are far wider and shallower than volcanic craters on Earth.

      Item

      Most lunar craters are volcanic

   2. Item

      Impacts blast out circular craters

      Correct

      Yes

   3. Explanation

      The blast digs outward evenly, so the pit comes out round.

      Item

      A slanted hit leaves an oval crater

   4. Explanation

      Earth was hit as often; active geology wiped the scars away.

      Item

      Earth escaped this heavy cratering

2. Question

   Three of these claims about Mercury are false.

   Choices

   1. Explanation

      Radar showed it turns three times for every two orbits.

      Item

      Mercury always shows the Sun one face

   2. Item

      Mercury spins three times per two orbits

      Correct

      Yes

   3. Explanation

      It is the smallest, with a diameter under half of Earth's.

      Item

      Mercury is the largest rocky planet

   4. Explanation

      It has no real atmosphere, so its nights turn bitterly cold.

      Item

      Mercury has thick clouds like Venus

Instructions

Tap the three false claims to knock them out and leave the one claim that survives.

Explanation