No, the outer planets are not lighter than the inner planets. In fact, the outer planets are generally much larger and more massive than the inner planets. This is because they are primarily composed of gases and ice, which makes them less dense but more massive.
The outer planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, have strong gravitational fields that are capable of retaining lighter gases like hydrogen and helium. Their significant mass allows them to hold onto these gases despite their higher thermal velocities. Additionally, the colder temperatures in the outer solar system help reduce the kinetic energy of gas molecules, making it less likely for them to escape into space. Consequently, these planets have retained their thick atmospheres composed primarily of lighter gases.
YES
The planet's strong force of gravity holds the atmosphere down and stops it escaping. Atmospheric gases have masses, and the Earth's atmosphere has a mass of about 1.2 kg per cubic metre.
No, the inner planets are not necessarily warmer than the outer planets. While the inner planets are closer to the Sun and therefore receive more sunlight, factors such as atmosphere composition, greenhouse gases, and internal heat sources can also impact a planet's temperature. For example, Venus, the second planet from the Sun, is hotter than Mercury, which is closest to the Sun, due to its thick atmosphere trapping heat.
No, the outer planets are not lighter than the inner planets. In fact, the outer planets are generally much larger and more massive than the inner planets. This is because they are primarily composed of gases and ice, which makes them less dense but more massive.
The outer planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, have strong gravitational fields that are capable of retaining lighter gases like hydrogen and helium. Their significant mass allows them to hold onto these gases despite their higher thermal velocities. Additionally, the colder temperatures in the outer solar system help reduce the kinetic energy of gas molecules, making it less likely for them to escape into space. Consequently, these planets have retained their thick atmospheres composed primarily of lighter gases.
The outer planets have thick atmospheres because they are so big. The bigger the planet, the stronger the gravitational pull. This means that the bigger planets pull in more gasses, which creates a bigger, thicker atmosphere.
Yes, outer planets like Jupiter and Saturn likely lost light gases from their atmospheres due to their gravity not being strong enough to retain these gases. Additionally, the strong solar wind and radiation in the outer solar system may have contributed to the loss of these gases over time.
The Exosphere
the outer planets are gaseous and the inner planets are not
The inner planets are all rocky planets. The outer planets are completely made up of gases. The inner planets are much smaller than the outer planets.
YES
Because gases exist even at great distances from the sun. Also the large gas planets have internal heating sources emitting from their core.
The planet's strong force of gravity holds the atmosphere down and stops it escaping. Atmospheric gases have masses, and the Earth's atmosphere has a mass of about 1.2 kg per cubic metre.
An atmosphere is a layer of gas that surrounds a planet; this gas is attracted by gravity and is greater in volume depending on the strength of the gravitational field and the temperature of the atmosphere. The inner planets generally have less mass, resulting in a less strong gravitational field, and a warmer atmosphere meaning the atmosphere is thinner than the colder, larger outer planets.
No. The outer planets do not have solid surfaces. Those planets are made of gases held together by gravity.