answersLogoWhite

0

The factors that determine whether a planet has an atmosphere or not are mass and temperature.

Not exactly...

There are two main factors that determine whether a planet can develop and keep an atmopshere and they are the escape velocity of the planet (how fast the object has to go to escape the gravitational pull) and the speed of the molecules in the atmosphere.

For example the escape velocity for earth is about 11km/s (25,ooomph)

Other factors include proximity to a larger body that can will steal the atmosphere away, and distance to the sun which produces solar wind that can literally blow the atmosphere away.

User Avatar

Sonny Kuphal

Lvl 10
3y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Is the distant from a star the only factor that determines whether a planet is habitable?

No, there would have to be an atmosphere and water as well.


What property of a planet determines if the planet can have an atmosphere?

The mass of the planet. It's not clear cut, since there has to be gas around in the area to provide the atmosphere, but the planet (or moon) need to be massive enough to provide sufficient gravity for the gas molecules not to escape into space.


Distance alone does not determine temperature of a planet what is another important factor?

The composition of a planet's atmosphere is another important factor in determining its temperature. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat from the planet's surface and contribute to the overall temperature.


What characteristics determine whether a planet or moon can maintain an atmosphere?

gravity and temperature; It needs gravity so it can hold its atmosphere.


How the atmosphere affect the lithosphere?

The lithosphere is the outer layer of the Earth, made up of the crust and the upper mantle. The atmosphere essentially determines the weather of the planet, which has an effect on its surface.


What single factor explains why the planet should have active tectonics and volcanism and an atmosphere produced by volcanic outgassing?

The single factor that explains this is the presence of a hot interior. If a planet has a hot interior, it can drive tectonic activity and volcanism. Volcanic outgassing from these processes can then contribute to the creation and maintenance of an atmosphere.


What the terrestrial planet that has no atmosphere?

what is the terrestrial planet that has no atmosphere


Does a planet need an atmosphere?

No. The planet Mercury does not have an atmosphere.


What is the atmosphere of the planet called Ceres?

Ceres is not a planet; it is a dwarf planet. It does not have an atmosphere.


What is the planets ability to retain an atmosphere depends on?

The factors that determine whether a planet has an atmosphere or not are mass and temperature. Not exactly... There are two main factors that determine whether a planet can develop and keep an atmopshere and they are the escape velocity of the planet (how fast the object has to go to escape the gravitational pull) and the speed of the molecules in the atmosphere. For example the escape velocity for earth is about 11km/s (25,ooomph) Other factors include proximity to a larger body that can will steal the atmosphere away, and distance to the sun which produces solar wind that can literally blow the atmosphere away.


What is the gas that surounds a planet known as?

That is known as the "atmosphere".


A planet with a thin atmosphere is?

Hard to say, as the distance from the star will also factor in, but in general, thin atmosphere would mean no insulation, it would be cold. Mars is a classic example of a planet having a thin atmosphere. It is extremely cold on Mars and has a small amount of carbon dioxide in it's atmosphere but is not in high enough concentration to warm the planet. Mercury has no atmosphere and it is hot and cold depending on which part of the planet is facing the Sun. Venus has a very dense amosphere and it is very hot, no matter which surface is facing the Sun.