Mars has a sufficient mass and a low enough temperature that water molecules could exist in its atmosphere as vapor. One reason Mars's atmosphere does not contain a significant amount of water vapor is that
A)Mars formed in a part of the solar nebula that lacked oxygen.
B)Mars formed in a part of the solar nebula that lacked hydrogen.
C)all of the water vapor was released in the impact that formed Deimos.
D)ultraviolet radiation breaks the water molecule into less massive particles that can escape.
E)the water molecule combines readily with chlorine to form hydrochloric acid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mars has a weak magnetic field and a thin atmosphere, so ultraviolet radiation from the sun can penetrate more easily and break down water molecules into less massive particles that can escape. This is the most probable reason why Mars's atmosphere does not contain a significant amount of water vapor.

Mars Has a Sufficient Mass and a Low Enough Temperature