The densities of the five largest moons of Uranus-about 1500 kg/m³ compared with the value of 3340 kg/m³ for Earth's Moon and 1000 kg/m³ for water ice-suggest a composition of: A)primarily hydrogen and helium, with a slushy core of ice-forming compounds, such as water, methane, and ammonia. B)50% rock and 50% ice-forming compounds, such as water, methane, and ammonia. C)50% rock and 50% pure water ice. D)almost entirely water ice, with small amounts of other ice-forming compounds, such as methane and ammonia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The densities of the five largest moons of Uranus, which are about 1500 kg/m^3, are significantly less than that of Earth's Moon but greater than that of pure water ice. This suggests a composition that is intermediate between rock and ice. A 50% rock and 50% ice-forming compounds composition (such as water, methane, and ammonia) would result in a density that aligns with the observed values, indicating a mixed composition rather than being dominated by either end-member (pure rock or pure ice).

The Densities of the Five Largest Moons of Uranus-About 1500