AFOQT Practice Test

What are asteroids typically described as?

1. Large, glowing balls of gas

2. Small rocky or icy objects that orbit the sun

3. Massive bodies located in the centers of galaxies

4. Planets that have not been classified

The correct answer is: Small rocky or icy objects that orbit the sun

Asteroids are indeed typically described as small rocky or icy objects that orbit the sun. They are primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter but can also be located throughout the solar system. Composed mainly of rock and metal, asteroids vary greatly in size but are generally much smaller than planets. They do not have atmospheres, and their irregular shapes further distinguish them from celestial bodies like planets. The context of the other answer choices underlines this definition: large, glowing balls of gas refer to stars; massive bodies in the centers of galaxies align with the concept of supermassive black holes or dense clusters, and planets that have not been classified does not accurately represent the nature or definition of an asteroid. Thus, the correct characterization of asteroids as rocky or icy objects that orbit the sun effectively captures their primary attributes.