Chapter 13: Pg. 307 Questions for Thought: 1, 2, 4, 12, 13, & 18
1. Describe the protoplanet nebular model of the origin of the solar system. Which parts of the model seem least credible to you? Explain. What information could you look for today that would cause you to accept or modify this least credible part of the model?
-The protoplanet nebular model proposes the theory that the solar system was created in stages. Stage A) was the creation of all elements heavier then hydrogen. Stage B) was the previously created elements forming a nebula, and Stage C) is when the protosun becomes a star. One of the least credible parts of theory is how it explains that giant planets were formed (such as Jupitar or Saturn), when since it should take them…show more content… What are the basic differences between the terrestrial planets and the giant planets? Describe how the protoplanet nebular model accounts for these differences?
-The terrestrial planets (Earth, Mercury, Venus, and Mars) are made of rock and elements like nickel and iron. In contrast, the giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) are made up of hydrogen, helium and methane. This means that the terrestrial planets have a solid surface and the giants do not. The differences can be explained by Stage C) of the nebular model. When the protosun became a star its flare up might have been enough to blast away the hydrogen/helium atomospheres of the terrestrial planets but not the giant…show more content… Little to no possibility for life.
-Mars-CO2 atmosphere, evidence of water source in past, possible source of frozen water. Slight possibility for life.
-Jupiter-mostly made up of gases hydrogen and helium, solid core, some traces of water in atomosphere. It has little to no possibility for life.
-Saturn-lowest planet density, atmosphere made of gases. Little to no possibility of life.
-Uranus and Neptune- very low temperatures, made up of gases and has frozen water, core extremely hot. Little to no possibility for life.
13. What are shooting stars? Where do they come from? Where do they go?
-A shooting star, or a Meteor, is the trail of light and smoke that happens in the sky when a meteoroid desolves in Earth’s atmosphere. Since the meteor is basically dust and particles, it burns away pretty quickly when it hits about 100 km.
18. Technically speaking, what is wrong with calling a rock that strikes the surface of the moon a meteorite? Again speaking technically, what should you call a rock that strikes the surface of the moon (or any planet other than
