Which statement best describes a planet compared to a star?

Which statement best describes a planet compared to a star?

• A. Planets orbit a star and shine by reflected light.
• B. Planets generate energy by fusion.
• C. Planets are larger than stars.
• D. Planets orbit planets.

Answer: (A)

Planets don’t generate their own light; they shine by light from their star reflected off their surface or atmosphere, and they orbit that star. That combination—orbiting a star and reflecting its light—best distinguishes a planet from a star, which powers its glow through nuclear fusion and emits its own light. The other statements don’t fit because a planet doesn’t produce energy by fusion, isn’t larger than stars, and doesn’t generally orbit other planets.

Planets don’t generate their own light; they shine by light from their star reflected off their surface or atmosphere, and they orbit that star. That combination—orbiting a star and reflecting its light—best distinguishes a planet from a star, which powers its glow through nuclear fusion and emits its own light. The other statements don’t fit because a planet doesn’t produce energy by fusion, isn’t larger than stars, and doesn’t generally orbit other planets.