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Chapter 10, Problem 1RQ

What is a habitable zone, and how is the idea useful? Is a planet in the habitable zone necessarily habitable? Explain.

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To determine

The definition of the habitable zone with its usefulness and discuss the habitability of the planets belonging to the same habitable zone.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Habitable zones are the area around the central star which has an possiblity of supporting life. Every planet present in an habitable zone does not neseccarily support life as there are various other factors which are required for life to exist on a planet.

Explanation of Solution

Habitable zone is an area around a particular star i.e. the orbital region which has an ability to support different forms of life. The sustenance of life on a particular planet is determined by presence of the various life supporting matters such as water, oxygen, carbon dioxide etc. The planets belonging to the same habitable zone has a higher possibility of life sustenance as the conditions they are exposed to is similar.

All the planets present in a habitable zone does not necessarily support life because there are various other factors which is helpful to determine the habitability of the planet. Factors which are necessary to support life on a planet is as given below.

Luminosity- It is defined as the brightness of the planet in other words the temperature on the planet.

If the solar system in which the sun is the central star is considered, the luminosity of the planets can be determined by the distance of the planets from the sun.

To maintain an optimum temperature the planet need to be in a region which is neither too close to the sun nor too far. Closeness to the sun makes the planet hotter and the distant planets are at very lower temperature. Thus luminosity which can be determined by the distance from the sun plays an important role in sustenance of life.

Size of planet- Except the distance of the planet from the central star, its size plays an important role to sustain life. The planet needs to be large enough to retain heat and to bear plate tectonics to regulate the climate.

Atmospheric conditions- The atmosphere on the planet should be sufficient to retain the liquid water on the surface. Also its presence prevents the exposure of the life to various harmful radiations which play a vital role of existence of life on the planet.

Conclusion:

Thus, habitable zones are the area around the central star which has a possibility of supporting life. Every planet present in an habitable zone does not necessarily support life as there are various other factors which are required for life to exist on a planet.

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Chapter 10 Solutions

Life in the Universe, Books a la Carte Plus Mastering Astronomy with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package (4th Edition)

Ch. 10 - What factors affect the location of the outer...Ch. 10 - Why does the Sun gradually brighten, and how does...Ch. 10 - How and when will Earth become uninhabitable? Why?...Ch. 10 - Briefly describe the eventual fates of the Sun and...Ch. 10 - How do we determine global average temperatures...Ch. 10 - What do ice core data tell us about the past...Ch. 10 - What is the role of climate modeling in...Ch. 10 - Describe several potential consequences of global...Ch. 10 - Decide whether each statement makes sense or does...Ch. 10 - Decide whether each statement makes sense or does...Ch. 10 - Venus is not in the habitable zone now, but a few...Ch. 10 - Decide whether each statement makes sense or does...Ch. 10 - Decide whether each statement makes sense or does...Ch. 10 - Prob. 24TYUCh. 10 - Decide whether each statement makes sense or does...Ch. 10 - Prob. 26TYUCh. 10 - Decide whether each statement makes sense or does...Ch. 10 - Prob. 28TYUCh. 10 - The habitable zone refers to (a) the regions of a...Ch. 10 - A planet that is not within a habitable zone...Ch. 10 - Choose the best answer to each of the following....Ch. 10 - Choose the best answer to each of the following....Ch. 10 - Choose the best answer to each of the following....Ch. 10 - Choose the best answer to each of the following....Ch. 10 - Choose the best answer to each of the following....Ch. 10 - Prob. 36TYUCh. 10 - Prob. 37TYUCh. 10 - Choose the best answer to each of the following....Ch. 10 - Science with Consequences. A small but vocal group...Ch. 10 - The Habitable Zone. Considering the possibility...Ch. 10 - Are Habitable Zone Planets Common? Based on what...Ch. 10 - No Plate Tectonics. Suppose plate tectonics...Ch. 10 - Continuously Habitable Zone. Is Earth in a zone...Ch. 10 - Planetary Changes. Write two or three paragraphs...Ch. 10 - Venuss History. Many people are not surprised to...Ch. 10 - Habitable Moons. As well discuss in Chapter 11,...Ch. 10 - Greenhouse Lessons. While it seems unlikely that...Ch. 10 - Global Warming. Briefly summarize the evidence...Ch. 10 - Massive Stellar Habitable Zone. Consider a star...Ch. 10 - Strength of Sunlight at Venus and Mars. The solar...Ch. 10 - Atmospheric Mass of Venus. The atmospheric...Ch. 10 - Prob. 58IFCh. 10 - The Politics of Global Warming. The current...Ch. 10 - Dealing with Uncertainty. One of the difficulties...
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