Unit 3 Activity Exploring the Outer Planets Quiz

How do the outer planets differ from the inner planets in terms of composition?

• Outer planets are primarily composed of rock and metal, while inner planets are mostly gas.

• Outer planets are primarily composed of gas and ice, while inner planets are mostly rock and metal.

• Outer planets have solid surfaces, while inner planets do not.

• Outer planets are smaller in size compared to inner planets.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that outer planets are primarily composed of gas and ice, while inner planets are mostly rock and metal. This highlights the fundamental difference in composition between the two groups of planets.

In what way are Jupiter and Saturn similar to each other?

• Both have a solid surface.

• Both are terrestrial planets.

• Both have a ring system.

• Both are closer to the Sun than Earth.

Answer explanation

Jupiter and Saturn are both gas giants and share a ring system, which distinguishes them from terrestrial planets. The other options are incorrect as they do not have solid surfaces, are not terrestrial, and are farther from the Sun than Earth.

Jupiter and Saturn differ in terms of their atmospheric composition because Jupiter has more (a)   than Saturn.

• Jupiter has more helium than Saturn
• Saturn has more hydrogen than Jupit
• Jupiter has more ammonia clouds tha
• Saturn has more methane than Jupite

Answer explanation

Jupiter's atmosphere contains more ammonia clouds compared to Saturn, which has a different composition with less ammonia. This distinction highlights the varying chemical environments of the two gas giants.

What evidence supports the possibility of life existing elsewhere in our Solar System?

• The presence of water ice on Mercury.

• The discovery of organic molecules on Mars and moons like Enceladus.

• The high temperatures on Venus.

• The lack of atmosphere on the Moon.

Answer explanation

The discovery of organic molecules on Mars and moons like Enceladus provides strong evidence for potential life, as these molecules are essential building blocks for life. Other options do not directly indicate life.

Why can't we send rovers to explore the surfaces of Jupiter and Saturn?

• They are too far from Earth.

• They have no solid surface to land on.

• Their atmospheres are too thin.

• They are too small to support rovers.

Answer explanation

Rovers cannot explore Jupiter and Saturn because they lack a solid surface to land on. Both planets are gas giants, composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, making it impossible for rovers to operate as they do on solid ground.

Match the following exploration methods with their respective planets.

• Constructing a base on Mars.

• Sending astronauts to walk on their clouds.

• Floating in Jupiter's atmosphere.

• Building a space station on their surfaces.

• Exploring Europa's subsurface ocean.

• Using balloons to float in their atmospheres and collect data.

• Walking on Venus's cloud tops.

• Sending submarines to explore their oceans.

Answer explanation

Using balloons to float in Jupiter's or Saturn's atmospheres allows scientists to gather data on their weather, composition, and other atmospheric phenomena without the need for landing, making it a creative and feasible exploration method.

What might scientists need to do to explore the possibility of life on Enceladus?

• Drill into its icy surface to access the subsurface ocean.

• Land a rover on its surface to collect soil samples.

• Send a satellite to orbit and take pictures.

• Measure the temperature of its surface.

Answer explanation

To explore life on Enceladus, scientists should drill into its icy surface to access the subsurface ocean, where conditions may be suitable for life. Other options do not directly investigate the potential habitats.

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The outer planets are larger than the inner planets because they (a)   during formation.

• They are closer to the Sun.
• They have more moons.
• They accumulated more gas and ice d
• They have stronger magnetic fields.

Answer explanation

The outer planets are larger because they accumulated more gas and ice during their formation, allowing them to grow significantly larger than the inner planets, which are primarily rocky and smaller.

What is another method, besides using balloons, to explore the atmospheres of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn?

• Sending drones to fly through their atmospheres.

• Building a bridge across their equators.

• Using submarines to explore their oceans.

• Sending astronauts to walk on their surfaces.

Answer explanation

Sending drones to fly through the atmospheres of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn is a viable method for exploration. Drones can gather data on atmospheric composition and weather patterns, unlike the other options which are impractical.

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What is a key factor that makes Enceladus a candidate for hosting life?

• Its proximity to the Sun.

• Its thick atmosphere.

• The presence of a subsurface ocean.

• Its high surface temperature.

Answer explanation

The presence of a subsurface ocean on Enceladus is crucial because it provides a potential habitat for life, offering liquid water, essential nutrients, and energy sources, making it a prime candidate for hosting life.