Assignmen 31

Page 18 question 1 January 8, 2015 Chapter 1

How do the terrestrial planets differ from the jovian planets?

1. Diameter: Jovian planets are larger than the terrestrials. For example, the smallest Jovian planet is four times bigger then the largest terrestrials diameter, which is earth.

2. Mass: Jovian planets mass is larger then terrestrials.

3. Density: Jovian planets have very low density and they are basically liquid water. Terrestrial planets have average density.

4. Chemical Composition: Jovians have similar chemical composition as the sun, while terrestrials have very little helium and hydrogen.

5. Magnetic Field: Jovians have a much stronger magnetic field then the magnetic fields of terrestrials.

6. Number of Moons: Jovian has many more moons around their planets then those of terrestrials.

7. Rotation Rates: Jovian planets spin more rapidly then terrestrial planets

8. Distance from the Sun: Jovian planets are all further away from the sun then terrestrial planets are.

What properties control the strengths of the lithosphere and the asthenosphere?

The lithosphere is constructed of the crust plus the very upper mantle, which differs from the asthenosphere, is only the upper mantle material. Rocks in the lithosphere are rigid, which means they can bend but cannot flow. To the contrary rocks in the asthenosphere are plastic, which means they can flow in response to deformation.

Why do the cores of the terrestrial planets have high densities?

It is believe that during the early stages of the solar system it is believed that the intense heat, combined with decaying radioactive material, was the direct cause of the terrestrial planets to be entirely molten. Over the years, due to gravity, the heavy metals sank to the core while the lighter ones rose to the surface. It is this process that caused the core of the terrestrial planets to be so dense.

Why do Venus and Mars lack a hydrosphere with liquid water?

These two...