The reason that Olympus Mons, the tallest mountain on Mars, is taller than Mount Everest (the tallest mountain on Earth) is that:
A) the gravity on Mars is less, so a larger mass can support itself against its own weight
B) Mars has a much larger molten core than the Earth
C) there are no continental plates that move sideways on Mars, while there are such sliding motions on Earth
D) the Earth's Moon has a much stronger pull than the moons of Mars
E) more than one of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answers are A and C. Olympus Mons is taller than Mount Everest partly because the gravity on Mars is less than Earth's, allowing larger masses to support themselves against their own weight. Additionally, the lack of continental plate tectonics on Mars means there's no lateral movement to limit the height of mountains as there is on Earth.

The Reason That Olympus Mons, the Tallest Mountain on Mars