Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Earth and Space Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Earth and Space Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune collectively make up the group known as the jovian planets. The general structures of the jovian planets are opposite those of the terrestrial planets. Rather than having thin atmospheres around relatively large rocky bodies, the jovian planets have relatively small, dense cores surrounded by massive layers of gas. Made almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, these planets do not have solid surfaces.
Figure 1.
Unlike the spherical shapes of terrestrial planets, the jovian planets are all slightly oblong. The jovian planets rotate much faster than any of the terrestrial worlds. Gravity by itself would make a planet spherical, but their rapid rotation flattens out their spherical shapes by flinging material near the equator outward.
Observations of clouds at different latitudes suggest that the jovian planets rotate at different speeds near their equators than near their poles.
Table 1.
Source:
NYS Earth Science Reference Table, 2011
Explain how the distance from the Sun affects a planet’s period of revolution.
Which planet has the shortest period of revolution around the Sun?
Describe two differences between terrestrial planets and jovian planets.
Using the Earth Science Reference Table, compare the average distances and periods of revolution for Earth and Jupiter. Explain the relationship between these two variables.
Which characteristic best explains why jovian planets rotate more quickly than terrestrial planets?
Explain why jovian planets appear slightly flattened at their poles.
How do the sizes and periods of revolution of terrestrial planets compare to those of jovian planets?
Claim:
Evidence:
Reasoning:
Explain how gravitational force influences both a planet’s orbital period and shape.