Match List I (Special characteristics) with List II (Name of the planet): A. Smallest planet of the solar system · B. Largest planet of the solar system · C. Planet second from the Sun · D. Planet nearest to the Sun — 1. Mercury · 2. Venus · 3. Jupiter · 4. Pluto · 5. Saturn

Answer: (d) 4 3 2 1

Pluto – smallest (in 1998) · Jupiter – largest · Venus – second · Mercury – nearest.

The idea

Separate distance from the Sun from physical size; they are different rankings. For a historical matching question, also use the planet classification that applied in the exam year. Pluto counted as a planet in 1998 but was reclassified in 2006.

Why the others are wrong

(a) Makes Venus the smallest.

(b) Makes Jupiter the smallest.

(c) Makes Mercury the largest.

The trap

Since 2006 Pluto is a dwarf planet; Mercury is now the smallest planet.

Elimination technique

The nearest-to-Sun match must be Mercury, numbered 1. Only (a) and (d) have that final match; Jupiter as the largest, numbered 3, selects (d).

Also know

The inner rocky planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. Jupiter and Saturn are gas giants; Uranus and Neptune are ice giants. Under the classification adopted in 2006, Mercury is the smallest of the eight planets, while Jupiter remains the largest.