Chapter 7: Problem 8

Why are Uranus and Neptune distinctly blue-green in color, while Jupiter or Saturn are not?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: The blue-green color of Uranus and Neptune is due to the presence of methane in their atmospheres, which absorbs red light and reflects blue-green light. In contrast, Jupiter and Saturn have different atmospheric compositions, containing larger amounts of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which give them their reddish-brown and orangish colors. These differences can be attributed to their classification as gas giants (Jupiter and Saturn) and ice giants (Uranus and Neptune), resulting in variations in their chemical compositions.

Step by step solution

Discuss the Color of Uranus and Neptune

Uranus and Neptune appear blue-green in color mainly due to the presence of methane (CH4) in their atmospheres. Methane gas absorbs red light from sunlight and reflects the blue-green wavelengths back into space, which is what we see when observing these planets.

Discuss the Color of Jupiter and Saturn

Unlike Uranus and Neptune, Jupiter and Saturn appear as more of a reddish-brown or orangish color. This is because their atmospheres contain larger amounts of ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as well as other compounds that are responsible for their unique appearance. These gases and compounds interact with sunlight in different ways than methane does, reflecting the color that we observe.

Understanding the Differences in Atmospheric Composition

The differences in color between Uranus and Neptune compared to Jupiter and Saturn can be attributed to differences in their atmospheric compositions. Jupiter and Saturn are classified as gas giants, while Uranus and Neptune are classified as ice giants. Gas giants are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with a smaller percentage of other gases, such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. On the other hand, ice giants are primarily composed of heavier elements and compounds, such as methane, ammonia, and water. This variation in chemical composition is responsible for the differences in color we observe.

Summary

In summary, the blue-green color of Uranus and Neptune is due to the presence of methane in their atmospheres, which absorbs red light and reflects blue-green light. In contrast, Jupiter and Saturn have different atmospheric compositions, containing larger amounts of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which give them their reddish-brown and orangish colors.

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Why are Uranus and Neptune distinctly blue-green in color, while Jupiter or Saturn are not?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Discuss the Color of Uranus and Neptune

Discuss the Color of Jupiter and Saturn

Understanding the Differences in Atmospheric Composition

Summary

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