Planets appear as bright light in the night sky becausea)they have the...
Explanation:
The correct answer is B: they reflect light from the sun.
Planets do not have their own light source like stars. They appear as bright lights in the night sky because they reflect light from the sun. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Planets are not self-luminous:
- Unlike stars, which emit their own light through nuclear fusion, planets do not have their own light source.
- Planets are non-luminous objects that rely on external light sources for visibility.
2. Reflection of sunlight:
- Planets are visible to us because they reflect sunlight.
- The Sun is a massive, luminous star that emits a tremendous amount of light in all directions.
- When sunlight reaches a planet, its surface reflects a portion of the light back towards us.
- This reflected light is what makes the planet visible in the night sky.
3. Factors affecting planet visibility:
- The brightness of a planet depends on several factors, including its distance from the Sun, its size, and the composition of its atmosphere.
- Planets closer to the Sun receive more sunlight and appear brighter.
- The size of the planet also plays a role, as larger planets reflect more light.
- The composition of the planet's atmosphere can affect the scattering and reflection of light, further influencing its visibility.
4. Differentiation from stars:
- Stars, on the other hand, emit their own light through nuclear fusion reactions in their cores.
- Stars appear as tiny points of light in the sky, while planets often appear larger and brighter due to their reflected sunlight.
In conclusion, planets appear as bright lights in the night sky because they reflect light from the Sun. Their non-luminous nature and reliance on external light sources distinguish them from stars.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 8 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 8.