The excess heat produced by Jupiter beyond that which it gets from the Sun is the result of
A) nuclear reactions in their liquid metallic hydrogen cores.
B) radioactive decay.
C) hot molten lava rising to the surface.
D) the planet's continual slow contraction.
E) the large number of meteorite and comet impacts that occur each year.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jupiter emits more heat than it receives from the Sun due to the slow contraction of the planet, a process known as Kelvin-Helmholtz contraction, which releases gravitational energy as heat.

The Excess Heat Produced by Jupiter Beyond That Which It