-The graph plots the escape velocity of several solar system objects along the vertical axis,and surface temperature along the horizontal.The lines plotted in the figure are the speeds of the fastest gas particles as a function of temperature for various gases.Which of the gases plotted in the diagram could be retained in the atmosphere of Mars?
A)only CO₂
B)NH₃ and He
C)CO₂, NH₃, and O₂
D)H₂ and He

Question

-The graph plots the escape velocity of several solar system objects along the vertical axis,and surface temperature along the horizontal.The lines plotted in the figure are the speeds of the fastest gas particles as a function of temperature for various gases.Which of the gases plotted in the diagram could be retained in the atmosphere of Mars?
A)only CO₂ 
B)NH₃ and He 
C)CO₂, NH₃, and O₂ 
D)H₂ and He

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mars can retain gases with escape velocities lower than its own. CO₂, NH₃, and O₂ have molecular speeds that are lower than Mars' escape velocity, allowing them to be retained in its atmosphere.

-The Graph Plots the Escape Velocity of Several Solar System