Let's solve each question based on the reading passage about Mercury. Here's a step-by-step explanation for each answer:
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1. Is Mercury bigger or smaller than the Moon?
Answer: Mercury is bigger than the Moon.
Explanation: The passage says, *"It looks a little like our moon, but Mercury is bigger."* So even though it resembles the Moon in appearance, Mercury is actually larger in size.
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2. How long does Mercury take to go around the Sun?
Answer: Mercury takes 88 days to go around the Sun.
Explanation: The text clearly states: *"It takes 88 days to go around the Sun."*
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3. Is Mercury very hot because it is close to the sun?
Answer: Yes, Mercury is very hot because it is close to the Sun.
Explanation: The passage says: *"It is the closest planet to the Sun, but not the hottest."* While it’s not the hottest (due to lack of atmosphere), being so close to the Sun means it gets extremely hot during the day. So, yes, its proximity contributes to high temperatures.
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4. Where does the name Mercury come from?
Answer: The name Mercury comes from the Roman god Mercury, the messenger of the gods.
Explanation: The passage says: *"It has no known natural satellites. It takes its name from the Roman god Mercury, the messenger of the gods."*
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5. Is it true that it is the largest planet in the solar system?
Answer: No, it is not true. Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system.
Explanation: The first sentence says: *"Mercury is the smallest planet in the Solar System."* So, it is definitely not the largest.
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6. How many Earth days is one day on Mercury?
Answer: One day on Mercury is the same as 176 Earth days.
Explanation: The passage says: *"One day on Mercury is the same as 176 Earth days!"* This is because Mercury rotates very slowly — it takes 176 Earth days for it to complete one full rotation on its axis.
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7. What is the closest planet to the Sun?
Answer: Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.
Explanation: The passage directly states: *"It is the closest planet to the Sun..."*
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✔ Final Answers Summary:
1. Bigger
2. 88 days
3. Yes
4. From the Roman god Mercury, the messenger of the gods
5. No, it is the smallest
6. 176 Earth days
7. Mercury
These answers are all supported by the information provided in the reading passage.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of mercury worksheet.
