Chapter 24, Problem 1GST

To determine

The classification of planets of a newly discovered solar system in a nearby region of the Milky Way.

Answer to Problem 1GST

Planet 1 is terrestrial because of small size and high density. Planet 2 is Jovian because of large size and low density. Planet 3 is neither terrestrial nor Jovian because of its distance from the sun and orbital eccentricity.

Explanation of Solution

The inner solar system consists of terrestrial planets and outer solar system consists of Jovian planets. Terrestrial planets are composed mainly of rocky and metallic substances, which have high temperatures and densities with thin atmospheres. Examples include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Jovian planets are composed mainly of ice and gas, which have low temperatures and densities with thick atmospheres. Examples include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

• The main criteria used in discriminating the terrestrial and Jovian planets are size, location, and density.
• Terrestrial planets are placed in close proximity to the sun; hence, they are considered as inner planets. They have smaller sizes and higher densities due to their rocky and metallic composition.
• Jovian planets are located farther away from the sun beyond the Mars’ orbit; hence, they are considered as outer planets. They have bigger sizes and low densities due to their ice and gas composition.