Chapter 11: Problem 10

Planets in the outer Solar System have more moons than those in the inner Solar System because a. the solar wind was weaker there. b. there was more debris around the outer planets when they were forming. c. the outer planets captured most of their moons. d. there were more planetesimal collisions far from the Sun.

Short Answer

Expert verified

c. the outer planets captured most of their moons.

Step by step solution

- Understand the Question

Identify the reason why planets in the outer Solar System have more moons compared to those in the inner Solar System.

- Analyze the Options

Look at each option (a, b, c, and d) and consider how it relates to the formation and characteristics of the outer planets and their moons.

- Evaluate Option 'a'

Option (a) states that the solar wind was weaker there. While the solar wind does play a role in sweeping debris, it is not the primary reason for the larger number of moons.

- Evaluate Option 'b'

Option (b) states that there was more debris around the outer planets when they were forming. The presence of more debris in the outer Solar System could lead to more material available to form moons.

- Evaluate Option 'c'

Option (c) states that the outer planets captured most of their moons. This is a plausible reason because larger planets like Jupiter and Saturn have strong gravitational fields capable of capturing more moons.

- Evaluate Option 'd'

Option (d) states that there were more planetesimal collisions far from the Sun. Although collisions can contribute to moon formation, this factor alone isn't the most significant reason.

- Determine the Best Option

Evaluate options (b) and (c) as they seem most relevant. Option (c) focuses on gravitational capture, which is a clear mechanism known for moon acquisition, making it the best answer.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

solar system

The Solar System is a fascinating and complex structure that includes our Sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and other celestial bodies. Understanding its formation and the diverse characteristics of its components is crucial. The inner planets, like Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, are rocky and have fewer moons. The outer planets, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are gas giants and possess numerous moons. Differences in proximity to the Sun and material composition of these planets play a significant role in the distinct features observed in our Solar System.

moon formation

Moon formation is an interesting aspect of planetary science. There are different theories about how moons form. Some moons form from the protoplanetary disk of gas and dust that surrounds a young planet. These moons are known as regular moons, like Jupiter’s Galilean moons. Other moons are captured objects that were gravitationally seized by the planet. This is common among the outer planets' irregular moons, such as many of Saturn's small moons. The material available during the early stages of the Solar System's development also plays a critical role in the number and size of moons that form around a planet.

outer planets

The outer planets in our Solar System, namely Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are quite different from the inner rocky planets. They are much larger and mainly composed of gases and ices. Their large sizes contribute to their strong gravitational fields. This allows them to capture more moons and retain a thick atmosphere. The outer planets also had access to more planetary building materials because of their distance from the Sun, leading to the current complexity seen in their numerous moons and rings.

gravitational capture

Gravitational capture is a process through which an astronomical body, such as a planet, can capture another body, like a moon, into its orbit. The outer planets have substantial gravitational fields, thanks to their massive sizes. This makes them more capable of capturing objects that come close enough. Many of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn are believed to have been captured this way. These captured moons often have irregular shapes and tilted orbits, distinguishing them from moons that formed directly from the planet's circumplanetary disk.

debris

Debris in the context of the Solar System refers to small particles and fragments left over from planet and moon formation. In the outer regions of the Solar System, there was an abundance of this debris due to lesser influence from the solar wind, which is weaker farther away from the Sun. This debris can clump together to form moons or be part of a planet's ring system. Because the outer planets are situated in regions rich in ice and rock, they had access to more raw material to form both themselves and their diverse array of moons.

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

- Understand the Question

- Analyze the Options

- Evaluate Option 'a'

- Evaluate Option 'b'

- Evaluate Option 'c'

- Evaluate Option 'd'

- Determine the Best Option

Key Concepts

solar system

moon formation

outer planets

gravitational capture

debris

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Radiation

Oscillations

Conservation of Energy and Momentum

Nuclear Physics

Quantum Physics

Particle Model of Matter

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.