All the following statements are true.Which one is most important in explaining the tremendous tidal heating that occurs on Io?
A)Io is the closest to Jupiter of Jupiter's large moons.
B)Io orbits Jupiter on an elliptical orbit,due to orbital resonances with other satellites.
C)Io exhibits synchronous rotation,meaning that its rotation period and orbital period are the same.
D)Io orbits Jupiter in the Io torus,and therefore has a surface that is bombarded by many charged particles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elliptical orbit of Io, caused by orbital resonances with other satellites, leads to significant variations in gravitational forces acting on Io during its orbit around Jupiter. This variation in gravitational force causes Io to flex and distort, a process that generates a tremendous amount of internal friction and heat, leading to the volcanic activity observed on Io. This tidal heating is a direct consequence of its elliptical orbit, making it the most important factor among the options listed.

All the Following Statements Are True