Which of the following statements describe the outer planets? A. They are large and made of rocks. B. They are large and made up mostly of gas C. They are small and made of ice and gas. D. They are solid and made up of rocks and metals.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. They are large and made up mostly of gas
Explanation:
The outer planets of our solar system—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—are often referred to as the gas giants (Jupiter and Saturn) and ice giants (Uranus and Neptune). These planets are significantly larger than the inner planets and are mostly composed of gases like hydrogen and helium, along with icy substances such as water, ammonia, and methane.
Unlike the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars), which are rocky and solid, the outer planets do not have a well-defined solid surface. Their thick atmospheres consist mostly of gas, and any core they may have is buried deep beneath many layers of dense gas and clouds. For example, Jupiter, the largest planet, is primarily made of hydrogen and helium and has a massive atmosphere with storm systems like the Great Red Spot. Similarly, Saturn is known for its extensive ring system and is also primarily hydrogen and helium.
Uranus and Neptune, while still large and gaseous, contain more ices and heavier elements, which is why they are often called ice giants. They still fall under the category of being “large” and “mostly gaseous” when compared to the rocky inner planets.
Therefore, option B is correct because it accurately describes the outer planets as large and made up mostly of gas.
The other options are incorrect:
- A is wrong because outer planets are not made of rock.
- C is partially true for ice giants but not for gas giants and misrepresents size.
- D describes the inner, rocky planets, not the outer ones.
In conclusion, the defining characteristics of the outer planets are their large sizes and gaseous/icy compositions, making option B the most accurate choice.