Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

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Prepare for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed in your certification.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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Which celestial body is considered the smallest planet?

Mercury
Earth
Pluto
Venus

The correct answer is: Pluto

The smallest planet in our solar system is Mercury, not Pluto. Mercury has a diameter of about 4,880 kilometers, making it the least massive and the smallest of all the recognized planets. Pluto, while once classified as the ninth planet, has been reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) since 2006 due to certain criteria it does not meet, such as clearing its orbit of other debris. Understanding the distinctions between planets and dwarf planets is essential in astronomy. While Pluto is smaller than Mercury, it does not hold the status of a planet according to current definitions. This classification highlights the importance of adhering to the criteria established by the scientific community when discussing celestial bodies.