What do inner planets and outer planets have in common, and what are some differences?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Common Features:
- Both inner and outer planets orbit the Sun.
- Both are spherical in shape due to gravity.
- Both follow elliptical orbits.
- Both were formed from the same original solar nebula.
- Both types have moons, although not equally.
Differences:
- Inner planets are smaller and rocky. Outer planets are larger and mostly made of gas.
- Inner planets have few or no moons. Outer planets have many moons.
- Inner planets have solid surfaces. Outer planets do not have solid surfaces.
- Inner planets are closer to the Sun. Outer planets are farther from the Sun.
- Outer planets have rings. Inner planets do not have rings.
300-Word Explanation:
Inner and outer planets are two categories of planets found in the solar system. They share some basic characteristics, such as orbiting the Sun in an elliptical path and having a generally spherical shape. All planets, whether inner or outer, formed from the same cloud of gas and dust in the early solar system. Gravity shaped them into round objects, and they all rotate and revolve around the Sun.
Despite these similarities, there are many differences between inner and outer planets. The inner planets—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—are smaller and made mostly of solid rock and metal. They have few or no moons and lack ring systems. These planets are located closer to the Sun, which contributes to their warmer temperatures. Their surfaces are solid, allowing spacecraft to land and study them directly.
On the other hand, the outer planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—are much larger and composed mainly of gases like hydrogen and helium, with possible small rocky cores deep inside. They have many moons and are surrounded by ring systems made of dust, rock, and ice. Being farther from the Sun, they are much colder and have thick atmospheres with intense storms.
In summary, both inner and outer planets are part of the same solar system and follow the same physical laws, but their composition, size, distance from the Sun, number of moons, and presence of rings differ greatly. These differences help scientists understand the formation and evolution of the solar system.