Universe
Universe
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781319039448
Author: Robert Geller, Roger Freedman, William J. Kaufmann
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 12, Problem 1CC
To determine

Whether differential rotation is exhibited by Jupiter’s moons of rock and ice, such as Ganymede.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1CC

Solution:

Jupiter’s moon, such as Ganymede, does not exhibit differential rotation as it has a solid core while differential rotation can only occur in liquid planets and moons.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Differential rotation can be defined as the rotation of different parts of a celestial body with different angular velocities. For example, Jupiter is wholly made up of gases and liquid plasma. The rotation rate of Jupiter at the equator is more than at the poles because it takes less time to complete one rotation at the equator.

Explanation:

Ganymede appears to be an ice-covered moon as well as the largest moon in our solar system. It has three layers: one with a metallic core; a spherical shell of rock; and the surface covered in ice. This moon does not display differential rotation as for differential rotation to occur, it has to be made up of liquid plasma, such as Jupiter itself. Ganymede has a solid core, so differential rotation cannot take place.

Conclusion:

Hence, Jupiter’s moons of rock and ice do no exhibit differential rotation. They rotate at the same speed due to their solid core.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
NASA Scientists want to measure the current distance between two of Jupiter's Moons, Ganymede and Europa. They set up a laser on the surface of Ganymede, shine it at a mirror on the surface of Europa and measure how long it takes for the laser light to return to a detector on the surface of Ganymede. They calculated the current distance between the two moons to be 787 million meters. How long did it take the light to make it to Europa and back? *Give answers to at least three significant figures. DO NOT submit answers in scientific notation. Use symbols for units (i.e. m, s, kg, N)*
6
Prominent on photos of Jupiter, is a large, reddish oval feature, named the Great Red Spot. How could this major feature be utilized to determine the rotation period of the planet?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
The Solar System
Physics
ISBN:9781337672252
Author:The Solar System
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
Physics
ISBN:9781337399920
Author:Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:9781938168284
Author:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
An Introduction to Physical Science
Physics
ISBN:9781305079137
Author:James Shipman, Jerry D. Wilson, Charles A. Higgins, Omar Torres
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
The Solar System
Physics
ISBN:9781305804562
Author:Seeds
Publisher:Cengage
Kepler's Three Laws Explained; Author: PhysicsHigh;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyR6EO_RMKE;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY