W6: The planets

Question 1

What are some characteristics of the Terrestrial planets? List a minimum of three (3) things.

Answer 1

closer to the sun, lower earth years, smaller in size, greater density, made of rocky materials
thin or absent atmosphere, lack of rings

Question 2

What are some characteristics of the Gas planets? List a minimum of three (3) things.

Answer 2

gas planet: jupiter and saturn

many moons, thick atmosphere, strong magnetic fields, low density, have rings, large size, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium

Question 3

what is the relationship between the time it takes for planets to orbit the sun, and the distance they are from the sun?

Answer 3

Kepler’s Third Law of Planetary Motion often referred to as the “Law of Harmonies”
* planets that are farther from the sum take longer to complete their orbits

Question 4

how is Pluto different from the major planets and is now called a dwarf planet?

Answer 4

pluto is much smaller, highly eccentric, and tilted orbit, located in kulper belt, composed of rock and ice

Question 5

Name three (3) places in our solar system (not Earth), that might be locations where other life might exist right now. For each, explain why life might exist there?

Answer 5

mars: history of water, evidence of underground ice. presence of carbon and water
europa (moon of jupiter): has a subsurface ocean beneath an icy crust. might provide a suitable environment for life
enceladus (moon of saturn): has subsurface oceans beneath its icy shell

Question 6

4 terrestrial planets:

Answer 6

mercury, venus,
earth,
mars