If Uranus and Neptune had the same abundance of the elements as Jupiter and Saturn, they would have:
A)the same densities as Jupiter and Saturn even though they have smaller masses.
B)smaller densities than Jupiter and Saturn because density is proportional to mass, implying that smaller masses always have smaller densities.
C)larger densities than Jupiter and Saturn because density is inversely proportional to volume, implying that smaller volumes always have larger densities.
D)smaller densities than Jupiter and Saturn because their smaller masses would produce less gravity, and the materials would be compressed less.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Density is dependent on both mass and volume. Although Uranus and Neptune may have the same abundance of elements as Jupiter and Saturn, their smaller masses would produce less gravity, and the materials would be compressed less, resulting in smaller densities. Choice A is incorrect because even though Uranus and Neptune would have the same abundance of elements as Jupiter and Saturn, they still have smaller masses, which means the gravity acting on their materials would be weaker, causing weaker compression and therefore lower densities. Choice B is incorrect because density is not solely dependent on mass, but also on volume. Choice C is incorrect because the relationship between volume and density is not inverse, but rather proportional.

If Uranus and Neptune Had the Same Abundance of the Elements