A large, round body in space that orbits a star and does not produce its own light.

A large, round body in space that orbits a star and does not produce its own light.

• A. Moon
• B. Planet
• C. Star
• D. Comet

Answer: (B)

Think about what defines a planet: an object that orbits a star, is large enough to be rounded by its own gravity, and does not produce its own light. The description given fits that exactly—the body is large and round, it orbits a star, and it shines only by reflected starlight, not on its own. That’s why the best choice is the planet. A moon, while round, orbits a planet rather than a star. A star produces its own light through nuclear fusion and is the source of light for planets. A comet is typically much smaller, often irregular in shape, and has a visible tail when near the Sun, not a large, round body that orbits a star.

Think about what defines a planet: an object that orbits a star, is large enough to be rounded by its own gravity, and does not produce its own light. The description given fits that exactly—the body is large and round, it orbits a star, and it shines only by reflected starlight, not on its own.

That’s why the best choice is the planet. A moon, while round, orbits a planet rather than a star. A star produces its own light through nuclear fusion and is the source of light for planets. A comet is typically much smaller, often irregular in shape, and has a visible tail when near the Sun, not a large, round body that orbits a star.