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Chapter 11: Problem 11

The difference between a moon and a planet is that a. moons orbit planets, whereas planets orbit stars. b. moons are smaller than planets. c. moons and planets have different compositions. d. moons and planets formed in different ways.

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. moons orbit planets, whereas planets orbit stars.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the question

Read the question carefully to understand what is being asked. Here, it is about identifying the main difference between a moon and a planet.
02

Analyze Option a

Consider the statement: moons orbit planets, whereas planets orbit stars. This describes the primary difference in the celestial bodies' orbital characteristics.
03

Analyze Option b

Examine the statement: moons are smaller than planets. While this is generally true, it is not always the case and does not define their fundamental difference.
04

Analyze Option c

Look at the statement: moons and planets have different compositions. Both moons and planets can vary widely in composition, and this is not a definitive difference.
05

Analyze Option d

Evaluate the statement: moons and planets formed in different ways. The formation processes can differ, but this is not the primary defining characteristic.
06

Choose the correct answer

Compare all options. The most accurate and defining difference is given by option a: moons orbit planets, whereas planets orbit stars.

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Key Concepts

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

orbital characteristics
When discussing the difference between moons and planets, one of the primary aspects is their orbital characteristics.
Orbital characteristics refer to how celestial bodies move in relation to one another.
Moons and planets have distinct orbits:
  • Moons orbit planets.
  • Planets orbit stars.
This means that the main difference is in the body around which they revolve. Understanding these orbital patterns helps in identifying and classifying these celestial bodies.
For example, Earth's moon orbits Earth, while Earth orbits the Sun.

By examining these orbits, scientists categorize different types of celestial bodies in the universe.
celestial bodies
Celestial bodies are objects in space such as stars, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. They come in various sizes, compositions, and characteristics.
In the context of moons and planets:
  • Planets are large objects that orbit stars and can have moons orbiting them.
  • Moons, or natural satellites, are smaller bodies that typically orbit planets.
The interaction between these celestial bodies is fundamental to understanding planetary science.
For example, Jupiter is a planet with numerous moons orbiting it, each a unique celestial body. Understanding the differences and relations between them allows scientists to map out the dynamics of our solar system and beyond.
planetary science
Planetary science is the study of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies in space. This field helps us understand the formation, evolution, and current dynamics of these bodies.
It comprises several subfields, such as:
  • Geology: Study of solid materials constituting planetary bodies.
  • Atmospheric science: Study of atmospheres surrounding planets.
  • Astrobiology: Study of potential life forms on other planets.
The fundamental difference between moons and planets, such as their orbital relationships, is central to planetary science.

By studying these characteristics, scientists gain insights into how our solar system and other systems operate, helping answer fundamental questions about the universe.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Why are Ganymede and Callisto geologically dead while the other two Galilean moons of Jupiter are active? a. they are larger b. they are farther from Jupiter c. they are more massive d. they have retrograde orbits

Io has the most volcanic activity in the Solar System because a. it is continually being bombarded with material in Saturn's E Ring. b. it is one of the largest moons and its interior is heated by radioactive decays. c. of gravitational friction caused by the moon Enceladus. d. its interior is tidally heated as it orbits around Jupiter. e. the ice on the surface creates a large pressure on the water below

Describe cryovolcanism and explain its similarities and differences with respect to terrestrial volcanism. Which moons show evidence of cryovolcanism?

The energy that keeps Io's core molten comes from a. the Sun. b. radioactivity in the core. c. residual heat from the collapse. d. Jupiter's gravity

Gravitational interactions with moons produce a. fine structure within rings. b. short-lived rings. c. smoothed-out rings. d. rings with spokes.
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