Which of the following explains the rocky nature of terrestrial planet...
The correct answer is option 'D' - 1, 2 and 3. Let's explain each statement in detail:
1) They were formed in the close vicinity of the parent star:
- Terrestrial planets, also known as rocky planets, are formed in the inner regions of a star system, closer to the parent star. This is because the inner regions contain heavier materials such as metals and silicates, which are necessary for the formation of rocky planets. In contrast, the outer regions of a star system contain lighter elements such as hydrogen and helium, which are more suitable for the formation of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn. Therefore, the proximity to the parent star is one of the reasons for the rocky nature of terrestrial planets.
2) The solar wind was most intense nearer the sun:
- The solar wind is a stream of charged particles (protons and electrons) that are constantly emitted by the Sun. These particles are accelerated to high speeds due to the intense heat and magnetic activity of the Sun. As the solar wind travels away from the Sun, it gradually loses speed and density. Therefore, the solar wind is most intense nearer the Sun and decreases in intensity with distance. The intense solar wind near the Sun can affect the composition of terrestrial planets by blowing away lighter elements and gases, leaving behind heavier elements like metals and silicates. This contributes to the rocky nature of terrestrial planets.
3) They are smaller in size with lower gravity:
- Terrestrial planets are generally smaller in size compared to gas giants. This is because the inner regions of a star system have higher temperatures and higher densities, which favor the formation of smaller and denser objects. The lower gravity of terrestrial planets is a result of their smaller size and mass. The lower gravity allows for the retention of heavier elements and compounds on the surface, contributing to the rocky nature of these planets.
In conclusion, the rocky nature of terrestrial planets can be explained by their formation in the close vicinity of the parent star, the intense solar wind near the Sun, and their smaller size with lower gravity. These factors result in the accumulation of heavier materials and the retention of rocky compositions on the surface of these planets.
Which of the following explains the rocky nature of terrestrial planet...
- Our solar system consists of the sun (the star), 8 planets, 63 moons, millions of smaller bodies like asteroids and comets and huge quantity of dust-grains and gases. Out of the eight planets, mercury, venus, earth and mars are called as the inner planets as they lie between the sun and the belt of asteroids the other four planets are called the outer planets.
- Alternatively, the first four are called Terrestrial, meaning earth-like as they are made up of rock and metals, and have relatively high densities.
- The rest four are called Jovian or Gas Giant planets. Jovian means jupiter -like. Most of them are much larger than the terrestrial planets and have thick atmosphere, mostly of helium and hydrogen.
- The difference between terrestrial and jovian planets can be attributed to the following conditions:
- The terrestrial planets were formed in the close vicinity of the parent star where it was too warm for gases to condense to solid particles. Jovian planets were formed at quite a distant location. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The solar wind was most intense nearer the sun; so, it blew off lots of gas and dust from the terrestrial planets. The solar winds were not all that intense to cause similar removal of gases from the Jovian planets. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The terrestrial planets are smaller and their lower gravity could not hold the escaping gases. Hence statement 3 is correct.