Astronomers now believe that the differences in composition among the planets reflect what characteristic in the early solar system
A) orbital speed
B) temperature
C) whether or not a planet had rings
D) the age of the material
E) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The temperature of the early solar system played a significant role in determining the composition of each planet. Higher temperature zones closer to the sun contained materials that were evaporated or melted, while cooler zones further away retained more solid materials. This resulted in a pattern where the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) are primarily made up of rock and metal, while the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) are mostly made up of gas and ice.

Astronomers Now Believe That the Differences in Composition Among the Planets