The very thin but measurable atmosphere of molecular oxygen around Jupiter's moon Europa probably originates from
A) dissociation of water vapor by solar UV radiation.
B) the remnant gases from Jupiter that reside within its magnetosphere.
C) primitive plant life living in the extensive oceans underneath the icy surface, which has transformed carbon dioxide into oxygen.
D) volcanoes that have ejected this gas during recent eruptions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The thin atmosphere of molecular oxygen around Europa is thought to originate from the dissociation of water vapor by solar ultraviolet radiation. This process involves the breaking apart of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, with the lighter hydrogen escaping into space more easily than oxygen, leaving behind a tenuous atmosphere of molecular oxygen.

The Very Thin but Measurable Atmosphere of Molecular Oxygen Around