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Chapter 12: Problem 21

Explain why Saturn is more oblate than Jupiter, even though Saturn rotates more slowly.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Even though Saturn rotates more slowly than Jupiter, it is more oblate because it is less dense and has a weaker gravitational pull to counter the centrifugal force from rotation. A stronger gravitational force in Jupiter suppresses its oblateness despite its faster rotation.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the features of the planets

Saturn and Jupiter are the two largest planets in our solar system. Although they are similar in many ways, they also have significant differences. Saturn rotates slower than Jupiter, but is more oblate. Oblateness refers to the degree by which a sphere, like a planet, is flattened at its poles and broadened at its equator.
02

Considering the composition of the planets

Saturn and Jupiter are both gas giants, meaning they are predominantly composed of hydrogen and helium. However, Saturn is less dense overall. It contains more light gases and has less rock and metal in its center than does Jupiter.
03

Analyzing the role of gravitational pull and rotation

The oblateness of a planet is affected by its rotational speed - faster rotation tends to result in more oblateness as the centrifugal force pushes material towards the equator. The gravitational pull is greater in more massive planets, and it acts to make the planet more spherical, hence reducing the oblateness.
04

Concluding the Analysis

Combining these factors provides the answer. Despite Saturn rotating slower than Jupiter, it is more oblate due to its less dense composition. Although Jupiter rotates faster, its greater mass and thus stronger gravitational force act to counteract this and make it more spherical.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What are the belts and zones in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn? Is the Great Red Spot more like a belt or a zone? Explain your answer.

As seen from Earth, does Jupiter or Saturn undergo retrograde motion more frequently? Explain your answer.

Astronomers can detect the presence of hydrogen in stars by looking for the characteristic absorption lines of hydrogen in the star's visible spectrum (Figure \(5-21\) ). They can also detect hydrogen in glowing gas clouds by looking for hydrogen's characteristic emission lines (Figure 5-18). Explain why neither of these techniques helped Earth-based astronomers to detect hydrogen in Jupiter's atmosphere.

Suppose that Saturn were somehow moved to an orbit around the Sun with semimajor axis \(1 \mathrm{AU}\), the same as the Earth's. Discuss what long- term effects this would have on the planet and its rings.

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