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Chapter 10: Problem 4

Why is it impossible for liquid water to exist on the surface of the Moon?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Liquid water cannot exist on the surface of the Moon because the surface pressure is too low to sustain liquid water. The lack of an atmosphere means any water would instantly vaporize or freeze.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Environment of the Moon

Firstly, understand the Moon's atmosphere or lack thereof. The Moon doesn't retain a significant atmosphere due to its low gravity.
02

The Relationship between pressure and Water's States

Secondly, understand that water needs certain conditions to exist as a liquid, and one of these conditions is the right amount of atmospheric pressure. On Earth, we have enough atmospheric pressure to ensure water stays as a liquid.
03

Connect the Moon's Conditions to Water's Behavior

As the Moon doesn't possess a significant atmosphere, the pressure on the lunar surface far is too low to support liquid water. Therefore, any exposed water would either quickly vaporize or freeze due to lack of heat.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Why does the sky look black on the Moon even during daytime?

In 2005 the SMART-1 spacecraft detected calcium on the lunar surface. Search the World Wide Web for information about the SMART-1 mission and this discovery. How was the presence of calcium detected? What does this tell astronomers about the origin of the Moon?

Observe the Moon through a telescope every few nights over a period of two weeks between new moon and full moon. Make sketches of various surface features, such as craters, mountain ranges, and maria. How does the appearance of these features change with the Moon's phase? Which features are most easily seen at a low angle of illumination? Which features show up best with the Sun nearly overhead?

How much would an \(80-\mathrm{kg}\) person weigh on the Moon? How much does that person weigh on the Earth?

Comment on the idea that without the presence of the Moon in our sky, astronomy would have developed far more slowly.
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