Chapter 10: Problem 29

Temperature variations between day and night are much more severe on the Moon than on Earth. Explain why.

Short Answer

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The absence of an atmosphere on the Moon, the slower rotation rate, and lack of water bodies contribute to its more severe temperature variations compared to Earth. The lack of an atmosphere means there's no absorption of the Sun's heat during the day or prevention of heat loss at night. The slower rotation results in long periods of direct solar exposure followed by long periods of darkness. The absence of water bodies, which on Earth absorb heat during the day and release it at night, further adds to the temperature extremes on the Moon.

Step by step solution

Discuss the Role of the Atmosphere

The Earth has an atmosphere, a layer of gases that envelops the planet, whereas the Moon does not. This atmosphere, comprising mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, absorbs, reflects and refracts the sunlight, thereby mitigating the extremes of temperature. Thus, during the day, the atmosphere absorbs some of the Sun's heat, preventing the Earth from getting excessively hot. Conversely, during the night, the atmosphere slows the escape of heat into space, keeping the Earth from getting excessively cold.

Describe the Impact of the Rotation Rates

The rotation rate of a celestial body also has an influence on its temperature variation. Earth completes one rotation in about 24 hours, meaning different parts of the Earth are exposed to the Sun's radiation throughout the day, allowing for a moderate temperature range. On the other hand, the Moon takes about 27 Earth days to complete one rotation. This means the same side of the moon is exposed to the Sun's heat for about 13.5 Earth days followed by about 13.5 Earth days without sunlight. Thus, the moon experiences extreme temperature shifts between long periods of direct sunlight and darkness.

Explain the Lack of Water Bodies

On Earth, the large bodies of water such as oceans and seas also help mitigate temperature variations. Water has a high specific heat capacity and thus, can absorb and store substantial amounts of heat during the day and then release it slowly at night, helping the Earth maintain a stable temperature. The Moon, however, lacks such water bodies, and therefore lacks this temperature-regulating mechanism.

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Temperature variations between day and night are much more severe on the Moon than on Earth. Explain why.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Discuss the Role of the Atmosphere

Describe the Impact of the Rotation Rates

Explain the Lack of Water Bodies

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