Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 13: Problem 23

In what ways is Ganymede like our own Moon? In what ways is it different? What are the reasons for the differences?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Ganymede and our Moon are similar in being satellites in our solar system, devoid of life forms, possessing impact craters, and lacking self-illumination. However, Ganymede differs in being larger, having a thin atmosphere, a magnetic field and possibly a subsurface ocean. These differences can be attributed to Ganymede's location in the solar system, the influence of Jupiter- its host planet, and the unique factors contributing to its overall composition and character.

Step by step solution

01

Identify and Elaborate Similarities

Begin by finding out what similarities exist between Ganymede and our own Moon. Both are the moons of planets in our solar system, they are celestial bodies that do not have their own light and illuminate by reflecting sunlight. They both have impact craters and do not have any life-form as far as we know.
02

Identify and Elaborate Differences

Next, list the ways in which Ganymede and our Moon are different. Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system, much larger than our Moon. It is the only moon known to have its own magnetic field. Ganymede has a thin atmosphere, unlike our Moon which does not have any. Furthermore, It is believed that Ganymede may possess a subsurface ocean of salty water.
03

Explain the Reasons for Differences

The reasons for the differences include their location in the solar system and the type of planet they orbit. Ganymede orbits Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, which could have influenced its size and composition. In specific, its magnetic field might be caused by convection currents within its metallic core, unlike our Moon that has a much smaller and mostly solid core. The existence of a subsurface ocean on Ganymede could be attributed to 'tidal heating' caused by its gravitational interaction with Jupiter.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

If you could replace our Moon with Io, and if Io could maintain its present amount of volcanic activity, what changes would this cause in our nighttime sky? Do you think that Io could in fact remain volcanically active in this case? Why or why not?

Io has no impact craters on its surface, while our Moon is covered with craters. What is the explanation for this difference?

How do lavas on Io differ from typical lavas found on Earth? What does this difference tell us about Io's interior?

In what ways did the formation of the Galilean satellites mimic the formation of the planets? In what ways were the two formation processes different?

No spacecraft from Earth has ever landed on any of the Galilean satellites. How, then, can we know anything about the chemical compositions of these satellites?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Circular Motion and Gravitation

Read Explanation

Torque and Rotational Motion

Read Explanation

Electricity and Magnetism

Read Explanation

Work Energy and Power

Read Explanation

Space Physics

Read Explanation

Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free