MasteringAstronomy Assignment #7

Atmosphere of Jupiter
Part A
Jupiter's band structure is composed of contrasting regions known as belts and zones. On the diagram, label the belt and zone regions and their corresponding directions of convection.

Part B
Jupiter has a relatively fast rotation rate, which serves to maintain stable wind patterns. The alternating westward and eastward band patterns are known as zonal flow. The following figure illustrates the zonal flow pattern through both the background animation and the graph. Label the graph with the appropriate descriptions.

Part C
Jupiter's differential rotation and complex atmospheric structure induce turbulent storms, such as the Great Red Spot. Identify the statements that correctly describe the characteristics of storm systems on Jupiter.
On Jupiter, the larger the storm, the longer it can last.
Individual storm systems can interact, resulting in the storm growing or fading out.
Storms are localized features, confined and powered by zonal flow.


Sorting Task: Moons of Jupiter
Part A
Listed following are some of the distinguishing geological characteristics of the moons orbiting Jupiter. Match each characteristic to the appropriate moon.

The Roche Limit and Saturn's Rings
Part A
A moon orbits a planet because of the gravitational force between them. Likewise, each body also experiences a tidal force due to gravity. Consider how the magnitude of the tidal force changes as the distance between a planet and moon varies.

Part B
Consider the orbiting system around Saturn. Within close proximity to Saturn are rings of material that are composed of hundreds of thousands of small particles. Outside of the rings is a multitude of orbiting moons, ranging in size from tens of kilometers in diameter to thousands of kilometers. Select the statements that correctly describe what would happen if a large moon passed inside of the Roche limit and what does happen to small clumps of material inside Saturn’s rings.
Material inside the Roche limit will be restricted by tidal forces from forming into larger clumps or moons
If a large moon passed inside of the Roche limit it would be torn apart by Saturn's large tidal forces.

Part C
Saturn's rings show signs of being an active and dynamic system, with many features changing on short timescales. Scientists believe that the rings are quite young. If the rings are indeed so young, then either they are the result of a relatively recent, possibly catastrophic event in the planet’s system, or they are replenished from time to time. Select the statements that could explain how Saturn’s rings were created or are replenished.
Medium-sized moons are torn apart as they pass into Saturn's Roche limit.
Meteoritic impacts chip off debris from the moons just outside the Roche limit.
A large comet collides with a moon near the Roche limit, breaking apart the moon.
A collision occurs between two moons near the Roche limit, shattering both.

Ranking Task: Exploring the Jovian Planets

Part A
The following images show Earth and the four jovian planets of our solar system. Rank these planets from left to right based on their distance from the Sun, from closest to farthest. (Not to scale.)


Part B
The following images show Earth and the four jovian planets of our solar system. Rank these planets from left to right based on their size (average equatorial radius), from smallest to largest. (Not to scale.)

Part C
The following images show Earth and the four jovian planets of our solar system. Rank these planets from left to right based on their mass, from lowest to highest. (Not to scale.)

Jovian Storms

Part A - Jovian Storms
All four jovian planets have storm systems in their atmospheres. From the list below, select the atmospheric characteristics that are found on all four jovian planets.
Banded atmospheric patterns consisting of light colored zones and dark colored belts
Small oval-shaped storm systems
Rapid winds

Part B - Comparing Jovian and Terrestrial Storms
Astronomers have detected storms in the atmospheres of the jovian planets, including giant storms that are larger than the entire planet Earth. Listed below are characteristics of storms. Sort these characteristics according to whether they are associated with jovian storms only, terrestrial storms only, or both jovian and terrestrial storms.


Part C - The Longevity of Jovian Storms
Some jovian storms such as Jupiter’s Great Red Spot have been observed to last for years to decades. The reason why these large storms live so long is not well understood, but astronomers have begun to monitor these storms more closely with spacecraft and have discovered some common properties among them. Which of the following properties does not contribute to the longevity of large jovian storms?
Atmosphere composed mainly of hydrogen and helium

Visual Activity: Rings of Saturn
Part A
Saturn’s rings are composed of __________.
lots of individual particles of ice and rock

Part B
Saturn’s rings look bright because __________.
light from the Sun reflects off the material in the rings

Part C
Which of the following statements correctly describes the motion of the particles in Saturn’s rings?
Particles in the inner rings orbit Saturn at a faster speed than particles in the outer rings.


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Jupiter is noticeably oblate (flattened) rather than spherical primarily because of which of the following physical effects?
Rapid rotation

How does the mass of Jupiter compare to the mass of all the other planets combined?
More than twice as much

What do the different colors in Jupiter's clouds indicate?
The depth at which the clouds reside within Jupiter's atmosphere

What is the source of Jupiter's excess energy?
Gravitational energy from its formation

Which region of Jupiter generates its magnetic field?
Metallic hydrogen layer

Why does the appearance of Saturn's rings change over time as seen from Earth?
The rings lie in the planet's equatorial plane, which is tilted with respect to the ecliptic.

Why is Saturn's atmosphere less varied in color and appearance than Jupiter's atmosphere?
Saturn's top clouds are thicker, with few holes and gaps, and they obscure the deeper layers.

The surface temperature of Saturn, though cold, is much higher than would be expected from the amount of solar energy it receives. Which of the following factors is thought to be the primary cause of this higher temperature?
Continued gravitational settling of liquid helium