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Chapter 12: Problem 20

Describe the internal structures of Jupiter and Saturn, and compare them with the internal structure of the Earth.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Jupiter and Saturn are gas giants with cores made of rock and metal, their cores being significantly larger than Earth's. Their extensive atmospheres consist of hydrogen and helium, whereas Earth has a thin atmosphere of nitrogen and oxygen. Earth has a distinctive crust-mantle-core structure, in contrast to the more complex structures of Jupiter and Saturn.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Jupiter's Internal Structure

Jupiter, as a gas giant, has a slightly different internal structure compared to Earth. It doesn't have a solid surface, but it is believed to have a core made up of rock and metal of about 3-20 times the mass of Earth. This core is surrounded by a deep atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, converting into a dense layer of metallic hydrogen due its massive pressure.
02

Understanding Saturn's Internal Structure

Saturn's internal structure is similar to Jupiter’s, composed mainly of hydrogen and helium. However, its core is smaller, with an estimated mass of about 9-22 times that of the Earth, merging into a layer of metallic hydrogen and helium. A distinguishing feature of Saturn is its extensive ring system.
03

Understanding Earth's Internal Structure

The Earth's internal structure is characterized by a solid inner core of iron-nickel alloy, an outer core of liquid iron and nickel, a mantle rich in silicate minerals, and a crust made from continental and oceanic plates.
04

Comparing the Planetary Structures

In comparison to Earth, both Jupiter and Saturn lack a solid surface and have more complex and varied internal structures. The cores of all three planets are composed of rock and metal, but Jupiter and Saturn both have extensive atmospheres composed largely of hydrogen and helium. On the other hand, Earth has a thin atmosphere primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Use the Stary Night Enthusiast \({ }^{\mathrm{TM}}\) program to observe the appearance of Saturn. Select Favourites \(>\) Guides \(>\) Atlas from the menu. Open the Find pane and click the menu button for Saturn and select Magnify from the drop-down menu. Stop time flow. Set the Time Flow Rate to 1 lunar month. Then Run Time Forward. Describe how Saturn's appearance changes over time. Explain what causes these changes.

What is a plasma? Where are plasmas found in the vicinity of Jupiter?

Although the Voyager and Cassini spacecraft did not collect any samples of Saturn's ring particles, measurements from these spacecraft allowed scientists to determine the sizes of the particles. Explain how this was done.

Compare and contrast the source of energy for motions in the Earth's atmosphere with the energy source for motions in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn.

During the planning stages for the Pioneer 11 mission, when relatively little was known about Saturn's rings, it was proposed to have the spacecraft fly through the Cassini division. Why would this have been a bad idea?
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