Whether or not a planet like Mercury can hold a particular gas in its atmosphere depends on that planet's
A)ice cap.
B)craters.
C)escape velocity.
D)its distance from the Sun as manifested in the temperature of the atmosphere.
E)escape velocity and its distance from the Sun as manifested in the temperature of the atmosphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ability of a planet like Mercury to retain an atmosphere depends on its escape velocity, which determines how easily gases can escape into space, and its distance from the Sun, which affects the temperature of the atmosphere and thus the speed at which gas molecules move. Both factors influence whether a gas will be retained or lost to space.

Whether or Not a Planet Like Mercury Can Hold a Particular