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Chapter 7: Problem 4

What is meant by the average density of a planet? What does the average density of a planet tell us?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The average density of a planet, calculated as the ratio of its mass to volume, gives us information about the planet's composition and internal structure. High density indicates heavier materials such as metals, whereas low density indicates lighter materials such as gases.

Step by step solution

01

Define Average Density

Average density of a planet is the ratio of the mass of the planet to its volume. It can be mathematically represented by the formula: \(\rho = \frac{M}{V}\). Where \(\rho\) is the average density, \(M\) is the mass and \(V\) is the volume of the planet.
02

Explain the method to calculate Average Density

To calculate the average density of a planet, first we need to know the mass and volume of the planet. The mass can usually be measured by observing the planet's gravitational effects, while the volume can be determined by knowing the size (radius or diameter) of the planet.
03

Explain the significance of Average Density

The average density of a planet can tell us a lot about its composition. Planets with high average densities are made up of heavier materials such as metals, while planets with lower average densities are made up of lighter materials like gases. It can also provide clues about the planet's internal structure.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Search the World Wide Web for information about impact craters on Earth. Where is the largest crater located? How old is it estimated to be? Which crater is closest to where you live?

When an impact crater is formed, material (called ejecta) is sprayed outward from the impact. (The accompanying photograph of the Moon shows light-colored ejecta extending outward from the crater Copernicus.) While ejecta are found surrounding the craters on Mercury, they do not extend as far from the craters as do ejecta on the Moon. Explain why, using the difference in surface gravity between the Moon (surface gravity \(=0.17\) that on Earth) and Mercury (surface gravity \(=0.38\) that on Earth).

What is the relationship between the extent to which a planet or satellite is cratered and the amount of geologic activity on that planet or satellite?

The surfaces of Mercury, the Moon, and Mars are riddled with craters formed by the impact of space debris. Many of these craters are billions of years old. By contrast, there are only a few conspicuous craters on the Earth's surface, and these are generally less than 500 million years old. What do you suppose explains the difference?

What are the asteroid belt, the Kuiper belt, and the Oort cloud? Where are they located? How do the objects found in these three regions compare?
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