What are the characteristics of inner planets? What are the characteristics of outer planets? How do they differ? (2 points)
The characteristics of inner planets, also known as terrestrial planets, include:
1. Size and composition: Inner planets are generally smaller and denser compared to outer planets. They have solid, rocky surfaces composed primarily of silicate rocks and metals.
2. Proximity to the Sun: Inner planets are closer to the Sun and have shorter revolution periods. This results in higher temperatures and less extreme weather conditions compared to outer planets.
On the other hand, the characteristics of outer planets, also known as gas giants or ice giants, include:
1. Size and composition: Outer planets are much larger in size compared to inner planets. They consist mainly of gases, such as hydrogen and helium, with small, solid cores deep within their atmospheres.
2. Distance from the Sun: Outer planets are located farther away from the Sun, resulting in colder temperatures compared to inner planets. They experience more extreme weather conditions, such as the iconic storm systems like Jupiter's Great Red Spot.
In summary, the main differences between inner and outer planets lie in their size, composition, proximity or distance from the Sun, and the resulting temperature and weather conditions experienced on them.
The characteristics of inner planets, also known as terrestrial planets, are as follows:
1. Size and Composition: Inner planets are relatively smaller in size and have a rocky or metallic composition. They have a solid surface.
2. Close to the Sun: Inner planets orbit close to the Sun within the inner region of the solar system. They have shorter orbital periods compared to outer planets.
The characteristics of outer planets, also known as gas giants or Jovian planets, are as follows:
1. Size and Composition: Outer planets are much larger in size compared to inner planets. They are mostly composed of gases, such as hydrogen and helium, with a small rocky core.
2. Far from the Sun: Outer planets orbit far away from the Sun in the outer regions of the solar system. They have longer orbital periods compared to inner planets.
Differences between inner and outer planets:
1. Size and Composition: Inner planets are smaller and have a rocky composition, while outer planets are larger and predominantly composed of gases.
2. Distance from the Sun: Inner planets are closer to the Sun and orbit within the inner region of the solar system, while outer planets are farther away from the Sun and orbit in the outer region.
3. Orbital Period: Inner planets have shorter orbital periods, completing their orbits around the Sun relatively quickly, whereas outer planets have longer orbital periods and take a longer time to complete their orbits.
4. Appearance: Inner planets have a solid surface, while outer planets do not have a well-defined surface and are covered with thick atmospheres.
5. Number of Moons: Inner planets have a fewer number of moons compared to outer planets. Outer planets often have a large number of moons.
The inner planets, also known as terrestrial planets, refer to the four planets in our solar system that are closest to the Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets share several common characteristics:
1. Size and Composition: Inner planets are smaller in size compared to the outer planets. They have a solid, rocky composition with a dense metal core.
2. Thin or Absent Atmosphere: The inner planets have relatively thin or no atmosphere due to their closer proximity to the Sun. Earth is an exception and has a substantial atmosphere capable of sustaining life.
On the other hand, the outer planets, also called gas giants, include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. They possess different characteristics from the inner planets:
1. Size and Composition: Outer planets are significantly larger in size compared to the inner planets. They consist mostly of gases, primarily hydrogen and helium, with a relatively small rocky core.
2. Thick Atmosphere: The outer planets have thick atmospheres composed of gases, including hydrogen, helium, ammonia, and methane. These atmospheres are responsible for their colorful appearances and distinct weather patterns.
3. Rings and Moons: Outer planets are known to have a system of rings and numerous moons, whereas inner planets lack any visible rings and have fewer moons.
In summary, the primary differences between inner and outer planets lie in size, composition, atmosphere, and the presence of rings and moons. Inner planets are smaller, have a solid rocky composition, and possess thinner or no atmosphere. In contrast, outer planets are larger, primarily made up of gases, have thick and distinct atmospheres, and often exhibit rings and many moons.