Which statements accurately compare the tectonic activity of the planets? Check all that apply.
The terrestrial planets experience quakes; the gas giants do not.
The gas giants have multiple plates; the terrestrial planets do not.
The gas giants have no true surfaces, so they experience tectonic activity.
Terrestrial planets experience (or experienced) tectonic activity; gas giants do (or did) not.
Mountains and volcanoes are found on the gas giants, not on terrestrial planets.
Activity in the molten interior of the terrestrial planets results (or resulted) in tectonic activity
The statements that accurately compare the tectonic activity of the planets are:
- The terrestrial planets experience quakes; the gas giants do not.
- Terrestrial planets experience (or experienced) tectonic activity; gas giants do (or did) not.
- Activity in the molten interior of the terrestrial planets results (or resulted) in tectonic activity.
Which statement accurately describes the habitability of the planets?
The moons of the terrestrial planets and the gas giants are habitable.
The terrestrial planets (except Earth) and the gas giants are not habitable.
The atmosphere of the gas giants makes them more suitable for life than the terrestrial planets.
The chemical substances on the terrestrial planets make them more habitable than the gas giants.
The statement "The terrestrial planets (except Earth) and the gas giants are not habitable" accurately describes the habitability of the planets.
How does the tectonic activity of the terrestrial planets compare with that of the gas giants?
All of the terrestrial planets have exhibited tectonic activity, but none of the gas giants have.
All of the gas giants have exhibited tectonic activity, but none of the terrestrial planets have.
All of the gas giants have exhibited tectonic activity, but only one terrestrial planet has.
All of the terrestrial planets have exhibited tectonic activity, but only one gas giant has.
All of the terrestrial planets have exhibited tectonic activity, but none of the gas giants have.
The statements that accurately compare the tectonic activity of the planets are:
- The terrestrial planets experience quakes; the gas giants do not.
- Terrestrial planets experience (or experienced) tectonic activity; gas giants do (or did) not.
- Activity in the molten interior of the terrestrial planets results (or resulted) in tectonic activity.
To determine which statements accurately compare the tectonic activity of the planets, we will need to analyze each statement individually:
1) The terrestrial planets experience quakes; the gas giants do not.
This statement is accurate. The terrestrial planets, such as Earth, Mars, Venus, and Mercury, have solid surfaces and experience seismic activity, known as quakes or earthquakes. On the other hand, gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn are composed mostly of gas and lack a solid surface, so they do not experience quakes.
2) The gas giants have multiple plates; the terrestrial planets do not.
This statement is inaccurate. The concept of tectonic plates, which are large moving sections of a planet's lithosphere, only applies to the terrestrial planets. Gas giants, like Jupiter and Saturn, do not have a solid surface and therefore do not have tectonic plates.
3) The gas giants have no true surfaces, so they experience tectonic activity.
This statement is inaccurate. Tectonic activity involves the movement and interaction of Earth's tectonic plates. Gas giants lack solid surfaces and do not have tectonic plates, so they do not experience tectonic activity as we understand it on Earth.
4) Terrestrial planets experience (or experienced) tectonic activity; gas giants do (or did) not.
This statement is accurate. Terrestrial planets with solid surfaces, such as Earth, Mars, Venus, and Mercury, have experienced tectonic activity throughout their history. However, gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, which lack solid surfaces, do not have tectonic plates and have not experienced tectonic activity as we know it.
5) Mountains and volcanoes are found on the gas giants, not on terrestrial planets.
This statement is inaccurate. Mountains and volcanoes are typically associated with tectonic activity on terrestrial planets, where the movement of tectonic plates can result in the formation of mountains or the eruption of volcanoes. Gas giants lack tectonic plates and do not have solid surfaces, so they do not have mountains or volcanoes.
6) Activity in the molten interior of the terrestrial planets results (or resulted) in tectonic activity.
This statement is accurate. Tectonic activity on terrestrial planets is primarily driven by processes occurring within their molten interiors. The movement of molten rock in Earth's mantle, for example, drives the motion of tectonic plates, resulting in phenomena like earthquakes, mountain-building, and volcanic activity.
In conclusion, the statements that accurately compare the tectonic activity of the planets are:
- The terrestrial planets experience quakes; the gas giants do not.
- Terrestrial planets experience (or experienced) tectonic activity; gas giants do (or did) not.
- Activity in the molten interior of the terrestrial planets results (or resulted) in tectonic activity.