With reference to Meteoroids, consider the following statements: 1. They are large gaseous bodies that move around the Sun. 2. They typically burn due to friction before falling on the Earth. 3. The flash of light seen during their fall is due to friction with the air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Meteoroids are small rocky or metallic bodies in outer space. They are significantly smaller than asteroids and range in size from small grains to one-meter-wide objects. Their interaction with Earth's atmosphere results in specific phenomena known as meteors. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Meteoroids are not large gaseous bodies; they are small pieces of rocks or metals that move around the Sun. Large gaseous bodies typically refer to gas giant planets (like Jupiter or Saturn) or stars. - Statement 2 is Correct. When meteoroids enter the Earth's atmosphere, they travel at high speeds. The resistance offered by the atmosphere creates friction, which generates immense heat. This heat typically causes the meteoroid to burn up completely before it reaches the Earth's surface. - Statement 3 is Correct. The heat generated by friction with the air causes the meteoroid to glow and the surrounding air to ionize. This results in a visible streak or flash of light, commonly referred to as a "shooting star" or meteor. Key Takeaway: A Meteoroid is the object in space; a Meteor is the flash of light observed when it burns in the atmosphere; and a Meteorite is the remnant that survives the fall and strikes the ground.

NCERT Class 6 Geography — Chapter 1: The earth in the solar system

mcqmedium

With reference to Meteoroids, consider the following statements:

They are large gaseous bodies that move around the Sun.
They typically burn due to friction before falling on the Earth.
The flash of light seen during their fall is due to friction with the air.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Meteoroids are small rocky or metallic bodies in outer space. They are significantly smaller than asteroids and range in size from small grains to one-meter-wide objects. Their interaction with Earth's atmosphere results in specific phenomena known as meteors.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Meteoroids are not large gaseous bodies; they are small pieces of rocks or metals that move around the Sun. Large gaseous bodies typically refer to gas giant planets (like Jupiter or Saturn) or stars.
Statement 2 is Correct. When meteoroids enter the Earth's atmosphere, they travel at high speeds. The resistance offered by the atmosphere creates friction, which generates immense heat. This heat typically causes the meteoroid to burn up completely before it reaches the Earth's surface.
Statement 3 is Correct. The heat generated by friction with the air causes the meteoroid to glow and the surrounding air to ionize. This results in a visible streak or flash of light, commonly referred to as a "shooting star" or meteor.

Key Takeaway:
A Meteoroid is the object in space; a Meteor is the flash of light observed when it burns in the atmosphere; and a Meteorite is the remnant that survives the fall and strikes the ground.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The earth in the solar system

Consider the following statements regarding celestial bodies: 1. All celestial bodies emit their own heat and light in large amounts. 2. Stars are celestial bodies made up of gases. 3. The Sun is a celestial body that reflects the light of other stars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the phases of the Moon, consider the following statements: 1. The Full Moon can be seen only once in about a month’s time. 2. The New Moon night is also known as Poornima. 3. On Amavasya, the night sky can be watched best if it is a clear night. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following star groups is a recognizable part of the Ursa Major constellation?

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Consider the following pairs regarding the Solar System: Pair | Description 1. Geoid | Earth-like shape 2. Orbit | Circular path of planets 3. Satellite | Celestial body moving around planets 4. Asteroids | Found between Earth and Mars How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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The term ‘Planet’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Planetai’, which translates to:

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Meteoroids are not large gaseous bodies; they are small pieces of rocks or metals that move around the Sun. Large gaseous bodies typically refer to gas giant planets (like Jupiter or Saturn) or stars.
Statement 2 is Correct. When meteoroids enter the Earth's atmosphere, they travel at high speeds. The resistance offered by the atmosphere creates friction, which generates immense heat. This heat typically causes the meteoroid to burn up completely before it reaches the Earth's surface.
Statement 3 is Correct. The heat generated by friction with the air causes the meteoroid to glow and the surrounding air to ionize. This results in a visible streak or flash of light, commonly referred to as a "shooting star" or meteor.