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Why are jovian planets so much larger than terrestrial planets?

Why are jovian planets so much larger than terrestrial planets?

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**Why are jovian planets so much larger than terrestrial planets?** The jovian planets, also known as gas giants, are significantly larger than terrestrial planets due to several key factors related to their formation and composition. Unlike terrestrial planets, which are composed primarily of rock and metal, jovian planets are mainly composed of hydrogen and helium. This difference in composition affects their size and density. During the formation of the solar system, the jovian planets formed in the colder outer regions where ices could condense along with rock and metal. This allowed them to gather substantial amounts of hydrogen and helium gas from the solar nebula, resulting in their massive sizes. Additionally, jovian planets possess strong gravitational fields that enable them to retain these light gases, further contributing to their larger size. Another contributing factor is the location within the solar system where these planets formed. The jovian planets are located farther from the Sun, away from the intense radiation that could strip away lighter gases. Conversely, terrestrial planets, being closer to the Sun, were unable to retain the lighter elements and grew to be much smaller in size. Understanding the differences in size between jovian and terrestrial planets provides important insights into the processes that shaped our solar system.
Transcribed Image Text:**Why are jovian planets so much larger than terrestrial planets?** The jovian planets, also known as gas giants, are significantly larger than terrestrial planets due to several key factors related to their formation and composition. Unlike terrestrial planets, which are composed primarily of rock and metal, jovian planets are mainly composed of hydrogen and helium. This difference in composition affects their size and density. During the formation of the solar system, the jovian planets formed in the colder outer regions where ices could condense along with rock and metal. This allowed them to gather substantial amounts of hydrogen and helium gas from the solar nebula, resulting in their massive sizes. Additionally, jovian planets possess strong gravitational fields that enable them to retain these light gases, further contributing to their larger size. Another contributing factor is the location within the solar system where these planets formed. The jovian planets are located farther from the Sun, away from the intense radiation that could strip away lighter gases. Conversely, terrestrial planets, being closer to the Sun, were unable to retain the lighter elements and grew to be much smaller in size. Understanding the differences in size between jovian and terrestrial planets provides important insights into the processes that shaped our solar system.
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