Deck 44: Comparative Planetology

Question 1

Distance alone does not determine temperature of a planet. Another important factor is

A) surface composition.
B) surface irregularities.
C) surface density.
D) atmosphere.

Answer 1

atmosphere.

Question 2

The distance from the sun where the abundance of ice and gases is prevalent is the

A) ice line.
B) frost line.
C) gas line.
D) frozen line.

Answer 2

frost line.

Question 3

The most massive planets in our solar system are formed beyond the

A) helium line.
B) hydrogen line.
C) Jovian line.
D) frost line.

Answer 3

frost line.

Question 4

Mars probably lost much of its original carbon dioxide atmosphere because

A) it's gravity was too weak to hold on to much atmosphere.
B) a catastrophic collision stripped away much of its atmosphere.
C) the atmosphere was removed by immense storms.
D) liquid water absorbed the carbon dioxide, which was never replaced when Mars' volcanoes became dormant.

Question 5

Studies of similarities and differences between the planets are called ________.

Question 6

Venus and ________ have atmospheres primarily made of carbon dioxide.

Question 7

We think that Venus, Earth, and Mars have had the same atmospheres since their origin.

Question 8

The giant planets are probably heated by gravitational contraction.