Earth mass

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/earth-mass

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the astronomical symbol?M🜨, M♁, or ME
2. What is the current best estimate?5.9722 x 10²⁴ kg
3. What is Earth’s mass and how do scientists measure it?Earth’s mass is about 5.9722 × 10²⁴ kilograms. Scientists measure it by studying gravity, using experiments like Cavendish’s and observations of how Earth pulls on other objects.
4. Why is Earth’s mass important for understanding other planets?It lets us compare the sizes and densities of other planets and exoplanets. By expressing their masses in Earth masses, we can easily see how big or small they are.

Terrestrial Planet: A planet composed primarily of silicate rocks or metals, with a solid surface.