Weather on Earth is driven by __________; weather on Jupiter is driven by __________. a. the Sun; internal energy b. the Sun; the winds c. Both are driven by the Sun. d. Both are driven by the hot core of the planet.

Earth's weather is primarily driven by the energy from the Sun. When the Sun's rays reach Earth, they heat up the planet's surface. The warmed surface, in turn, heats the air above it. This process creates temperature differences across different regions. These differences in temperature cause air to move, forming wind patterns and weather phenomena such as rain, snow, and thunderstorms. Understanding that the Sun is the main driver of Earth's weather helps explain why we experience different climates and seasons. This interaction between solar energy and the Earth's atmosphere is the key to our weather patterns.

Jupiter's weather is quite different from Earth's. Instead of being driven primarily by solar energy, Jupiter's weather is powered by its internal energy. Jupiter generates heat through a process called slow gravitational contraction. This means that the planet's own gravity is causing it to slowly compress, generating heat. This internal heat is so significant that Jupiter emits more energy than it receives from the Sun. This internal energy fuels enormous and intense weather systems, including the famous Great Red Spot, a massive storm that has persisted for centuries. Jupiter's atmosphere is dynamic with high-speed winds and powerful storms, all driven by the planet's internal energy.

Solar energy is the energy that comes from the Sun. It is the primary source of energy for Earth and many other planets in the solar system. For Earth, solar energy is crucial as it heats the planet's surface, driving weather patterns and supporting life. When sunlight reaches Earth, it warms the land, ocean, and atmosphere, creating the right conditions for weather phenomena like wind, rain, and snow. While solar energy is also received by other planets like Jupiter, it plays a less significant role in their weather systems. Instead, planets like Jupiter rely more on internal sources of energy to drive their weather.

Internal energy refers to the energy that is generated from within a planet. For Jupiter, this internal energy is mainly a result of gravitational contraction, where the planet slowly shrinks under its own gravity, producing heat. This internal heat drives powerful atmospheric movements, leading to intense weather systems. On Earth, internal energy contributes to geological activities like volcanic eruptions and tectonic movements, but it does not significantly drive the weather. However, understanding internal energy is essential for exploring the weather systems of giant planets like Jupiter, where this energy plays a dominant role.

Planetary weather phenomena refer to the various weather patterns observed on different planets. On Earth, these include conditions like clear skies, clouds, rain, snow, and storms. Solar energy is the main driver of these phenomena. On planets like Jupiter, weather phenomena are driven by internal energy, leading to unique and extreme weather patterns such as massive storms, high-speed winds, and giant vortices. Studying planetary weather phenomena allows scientists to understand how different energy sources influence weather systems across our solar system and beyond. This comparative study helps to reveal insights into the nature and behavior of planetary atmospheres.