Consider the following statements. When compared to Earth, the moon is...
When compared to Earth, the moon is significantly depleted of volatile elements such as sodium. “The amount of volatiles on the moon today can be used to test formation scenarios of the Earth-Moon system.
Sodium is the only element apart from potassium that can be observed through telescopes in the lunar atmosphere (its exosphere).
Consider the following statements. When compared to Earth, the moon is...
Incorrect Statement: Sodium is the only element that can be observed through telescopes in the lunar atmosphere.
Explanation:
The given statement is incorrect. The moon does not have a substantial atmosphere like Earth, and therefore, there is no lunar atmosphere where elements like sodium can be observed through telescopes. Telescopic observations of the moon focus on its surface and geological features rather than its atmosphere.
The moon's surface is significantly depleted of volatile elements, including sodium. This is because the moon formed from the debris of a giant impact between the early Earth and a Mars-sized object called Theia. During this violent collision, much of the volatile elements were vaporized and lost into space, leaving the moon with a composition that is depleted in such elements.
Telescopic observations of the moon primarily involve studying its surface features, such as craters, mountains, valleys, and lava flows. These observations provide valuable insights into the moon's geological history, its formation, and its relationship with Earth.
Additionally, various lunar missions have collected samples from the moon's surface and brought them back to Earth for detailed analysis. These samples have helped scientists understand the moon's composition, including the presence of certain elements and minerals.
In conclusion, the moon is indeed significantly depleted of volatile elements like sodium compared to Earth. However, the second statement that sodium is the only element observable through telescopes in the lunar atmosphere is incorrect as the moon does not have a substantial atmosphere for such observations.