If a new planet were found between Venus and Mercury, which of the fol...
Explanation:
Given that the new planet is found between Venus and Mercury. Let's look at the possible features that the planet might possess.
A. Ring System:
A ring system is a collection of particles that orbit around a planet in a circular or elliptical path. Planets with ring systems are generally large gas giants like Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. As the new planet is found between Venus and Mercury, it is unlikely to have a ring system as both Venus and Mercury do not have a ring system.
B. Radius greater than 10,000 km:
The radius of Venus is 6,051 km and the radius of Mercury is 2,439.7 km. The new planet is found between these two planets, so it is unlikely to have a radius greater than 10,000 km.
C. Density greater than 3.0 g/cm3:
The density of Venus is 5.24 g/cm3, and the density of Mercury is 5.427 g/cm3. Both Venus and Mercury have high densities due to their composition. Venus is composed of a rocky mantle and an iron core, while Mercury has a large iron core and a thin rocky mantle. As the new planet is found between Venus and Mercury, it is likely that it will have a density greater than 3.0 g/cm3.
D. Average surface temperature of –250°C:
The average surface temperature of Venus is around 462°C, making it the hottest planet in our solar system. On the other hand, the average surface temperature of Mercury is around 167°C, making it the second hottest planet in our solar system. As the new planet is found between Venus and Mercury, it is unlikely to have an average surface temperature of -250°C.
Conclusion:
From the given options, it is most likely that the new planet found between Venus and Mercury will have a density greater than 3.0 g/cm3.