Chapter 32, Problem 5TE

What does Jupiter have in common with the Sun that the terrestrial planets don’t? What differentiates Jupiter from a star?

To determine

The similarity between Jupiter with the Sun and the difference from star.

Answer to Problem 5TE

The generation source of Jupiter makes it similar to the Sun and the fact that it does not emit any light its own make it differentiate from star.

Explanation of Solution

Jupiter is also known as Jovian planets means which is larger as compared to terrestrial planets. These planets have rotational motion away from the Sun. Jovian planets have more number of Moons as compared to terrestrial planets. They mainly consist of hydrogen and helium, whereas terrestrial planets consist of a mixture of gases like carbon die oxide and nitrogen.

Sun got energy from hydrogen and helium atoms. Similarly, Jupiter also consists of hydrogen and helium. The size of Jupiter is $1/400$ of the size of Earth, which characterized it to be a star. Star generates own light, but Jupiter reflects the light of the Sun.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the generation source of Jupiter makes it similar to the Sun and the fact that it does not emit any light its own make it differentiate from star.