Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Practice Test

Which planet is recognized as the largest in the solar system?

1. Saturn

2. Earth

3. Jupiter

4. Neptune

The correct answer is: Jupiter

Jupiter is recognized as the largest planet in the solar system due to its significant size and mass relative to other planets. With a diameter of approximately 86,881 miles and a mass that is more than 300 times that of Earth, Jupiter dominates the solar system in terms of size. It is a gas giant, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, which further contributes to its massive volume. The immense gravitational pull of Jupiter has a profound impact on the solar system, affecting the orbits of surrounding bodies and serving as a shield against potential asteroid impacts on Earth. This characteristic has led to Jupiter being an object of great interest in astronomical studies, as its size and composition provide insights into planet formation and the dynamics of celestial mechanics. In contrast, Saturn, while also a gas giant and the second-largest planet, is significantly smaller than Jupiter. Earth is a terrestrial planet and the largest of the rocky planets, but it pales in comparison to the gas giants in mass and size. Neptune, another gas giant, is also smaller than Jupiter. Hence, Jupiter's unmatched size and mass firmly establish it as the largest planet in our solar system.