answer each one
QUESTION 1
Describe three characteristics of the planet Earth that make it suitable for life. For each characteristic, include a description of how it makes life possible.
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QUESTION 2
Earth supports life while the nearby Moon does not. Describe three reasons why the Moon cannot support life compared to Earth.
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QUESTION 3
How does a planet’s distance from the Sun affect the planet’s ability to support life?
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ANSWER 1:
1. Liquid water: Earth has large bodies of liquid water, such as oceans, which are essential for supporting life. Water acts as a solvent for biochemical reactions, provides a habitat for aquatic organisms, and helps regulate temperature on the planet.
2. Atmosphere: Earth has a protective atmosphere that contains the right mixture of gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen, which are essential for life to exist. The atmosphere also helps regulate temperature, protects life from harmful solar radiation, and provides necessary elements for living organisms.
3. Magnetic field: Earth has a strong magnetic field that protects the planet from harmful solar winds and cosmic radiation. This field helps maintain the atmosphere and allows life to thrive on the planet by shielding it from harmful external forces.
ANSWER 2:
1. Lack of atmosphere: The Moon has a very thin or practically nonexistent atmosphere, which means there is no protection from harmful solar radiation and no atmospheric pressure to support liquid water or life.
2. Extreme temperature fluctuations: The Moon experiences extreme temperature changes, from scorching hot during the day to freezing cold at night, making it difficult for life to survive in such harsh conditions.
3. Lack of liquid water: The Moon does not have large bodies of liquid water like Earth, which is essential for supporting life as we know it. Without water, there is no habitat for organisms to thrive.
ANSWER 3:
A planet's distance from the Sun can significantly impact its ability to support life. If a planet is too close to the Sun, it may be too hot for life to exist, as water would evaporate and surface temperatures would be too extreme. On the other hand, if a planet is too far from the Sun, it may be too cold for life to thrive, as water would freeze and the planet would lack sufficient energy for supporting complex organisms. The distance from the Sun also affects the planet's atmospheric composition, surface temperature, and overall habitability for life forms.