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SSC Selection Post 2024 PYQ — Question 30

SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level - 20 June 2024 - Shift 4 • General Awareness • Q30

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From the given alternatives, identify an inner planet.

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Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Mercury.

  • Mercury is recognized as the inner planet of our solar system.
  • There are a total of 8 planets in our solar system. The first four planets—Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are called the inner planets, also referred to as terrestrial planets. The remaining planets—Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn and Neptune are called the Jovian and gas giant planets.
  • Mercury, the planet nearest to the Sun, is also the smallest in our solar system. It possesses a very tenuous atmosphere and experiences drastic shifts in temperature. Unlike many other planets, Mercury has no natural satellites or ring system, and it takes only 88 Earth days to complete a full orbit around the Sun.
  • Mercury was named after the Roman messenger god because of its rapid orbit around the Sun.
  • Its surface is heavily cratered, similar to Earth's Moon, and experiences huge temperature variations, ranging from -173°C at night to 427°C during the day.