/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 21 Explain why most of the satellit... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 8: Problem 21

Explain why most of the satellites of Jupiter orbit that planet in the same direction that Jupiter rotates.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Jupiter's satellites orbit the planet in the same direction as its rotation because they both were formed from the same spinning protoplanetary disc. This disc maintained the angular momentum of the initial molecular cloud from which it formed. Hence, the rotation direction of Jupiter and the orbit direction of its satellites are aligned due to the conservation of angular momentum.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Formation of Planetary Systems

Planetary systems, including planets and their respective satellites, generally form from a spinning protoplanetary disc of gas and dust. This disc emerged from the gravitational collapse of a large, molecular cloud, and it maintained the original angular momentum that the cloud possessed.
02

Explaining the Direction of Planetary Rotation

During the star formation process, the protoplanetary disc densifies at the center creating a star (in this case, Jupiter). The star continues to spin in the same direction as the original angular momentum preserved from the molecular cloud.
03

Explaining the Orbit Direction of Satellites

Over time, the remaining material in the disc forms satellites that orbit the planet. Since the protoplanetary disk continued to rotate in the same direction as the original cloud, the satellites that form from this disc will also maintain the same rotation direction.
04

Connection between Jupiter's Rotation and Satellite Orbit Direction

Therefore, since Jupiter and its satellites originate from the same spinning disc, they both inherited this initial angular momentum. Hence, the satellites orbit Jupiter in the same direction as its rotation.

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.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

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

Propose an explanation why the Jovian planets are orbited by terrestrial-like satellites.

What is the radial velocity method used to detect planets orbiting other stars? Why is it difficult to use this method to detect planets like Earth?

What is meant by a substance's condensation temperature? What role did condensation temperatures play in the formation of the planets?

What is a chondrule? How do we know they were not formed by the ambient heat of the solar nebula?

A 1999 news story about the discovery of three planets orbiting the star Upsilon Andromedae ("Ups And" in Figure 8-17) stated that "the newly discovered galaxy, with three large planets orbiting a star known as Upsilon Andromedae, is 44 light-years away from Earth." What is wrong with this statement?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Physical Quantities And Units

Read Explanation

Rotational Dynamics

Read Explanation

Medical Physics

Read Explanation

Engineering Physics

Read Explanation

Space Physics

Read Explanation

Waves Physics

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.