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Chapter 7: Problem 11

. In what ways is Pluto similar to a terrestrial planet? In what ways is it different?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Pluto is similar to a terrestrial planet in terms of having a solid, rocky surface. However, it differs in terms of its location in the solar system, its status as a dwarf planet rather than a terrestrial planet, and its composition which includes a significant amount of ice.

Step by step solution

01

Listing the features of terrestrial planets

Terrestrial planets are located within the inner solar system. They have solid, rocky surfaces and thin atmospheres. These planets are similar in structure to Earth and have metallic cores.
02

Listing the features of Pluto

Pluto is a dwarf planet located in the outer solar system, specifically in the Kuiper Belt. It has a rocky and icy surface, an atmospheric composition that varies based on its proximity to the sun, and it has a composition of about two-thirds rock and one-third ice.
03

Comparing Pluto and terrestrial planets

Similarities between Pluto and terrestrial planets include having a solid surface and similar composition - rocky. The main differences include Pluto's location in the outer solar system (unlike terrestrial planets which are in the inner solar system), its status as a dwarf planet, and that it has a larger portion of ice besides rocks in its composition.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Terrestrial Planets
Terrestrial planets are the solid, rocky worlds that orbit close to the sun in the inner solar system. These include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Characterized by their dense metallic cores and volcanic activity, they share a few important attributes:
  • They are composed primarily of silicate rocks or metals.
  • These planets have relatively thin atmospheres.
  • Their surfaces bear evidence of geological activity such as mountains, craters, and volcanism.
These common features paint a picture of dynamic worlds with solid ground beneath our feet, representing the quintessential image of a planet for many.
Diving into Dwarf Planet Characteristics
Dwarf planets, while sharing some characteristics with the terrestrial planets, stand out due to their distinct features. Here are key points that define a dwarf planet:
  • Dwarf planets orbit the Sun but are not the dominant objects in their orbital zones.
  • They are large enough to be rounded by their own gravity, but share their orbital space with other bodies.
  • Most have not cleared their neighboring region of other rubble, which is a criterion for full-fledged planets.
Pluto, the most well-known dwarf planet, is a prime example, exhibiting a blend of rocky material and ice, different from the more homogenous compositions of terrestrial planets.
The Solar System's Structural Overview
The solar system is an intricate tapestry of celestial bodies, organized in a structure that reflects their formation and evolution. It consists of the Sun, the central star, followed by the inner solar system, which houses the terrestrial planets. Beyond them, we find the asteroid belt and then the gas giants of the outer solar system. The structure further extends to include the Kuiper Belt, where dwarf planets like Pluto reside, and even farther to the mysterious Oort Cloud. This arrangement speaks to the diversity of planetary bodies and their distinct characteristics based on their proximity to the Sun.
Planetary Composition: The Building Blocks of Planets
Planetary composition varies widely across our solar system. Terrestrial planets boast a rocky makeup, with surfaces covered in sand, rocks, and minerals. In contrast, the composition of dwarf planets like Pluto is quite diverse, featuring a mix of rock and ice. This contrast is crucial because it informs us about the formation conditions of different celestial bodies. For instance, the higher ice content in Pluto suggests formation in cooler regions of the solar system. Understanding these compositions not only helps in classifying planetary bodies but also provides clues to the solar system's history and the potential for life.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The absorption lines in the spectrum of a planet or satellite do not necessarily indicate the composition of the planet or satellite's atmosphere. Why not?

What is the connection between comets and the Kuiper belt? Between comets and the Oort cloud?

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 is liquid metallic hydrogen? Why is it found only in the interiors of certain planets?

Saturn's satellite Titan has an appreciable atmosphere, yet Jupiter's satellite Ganymede-which is about the same size and mass as Titan-has no atmosphere. Explain why there is a difference.
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