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Which statement is true with regard to the characteristic composition of the Ter

ID: 341 • Letter: W

Question

Which statement is true with regard to the characteristic composition of the Terrestrial Planets (Rocky Worlds) within the Solar System?

Although it is expected that these planets have iron-nickel and silicate cores they are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.

These planets demonstrate a wide variation of compositions. Some are primarily an iron-nickel compound, others are composed of silicates, others are primarily composed of silicates and organic compounds, others are rich in water ice and other volatile compounds, while others have compositions that are a variety of combinations of all these.

These planets have iron-nickel cores and primarily silicate surfaces.

These planets may contain silicates, but have a high concentration of volatiles in ice form.

                            a.           

Although it is expected that these planets have iron-nickel and silicate cores they are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.

                            b.           

These planets demonstrate a wide variation of compositions. Some are primarily an iron-nickel compound, others are composed of silicates, others are primarily composed of silicates and organic compounds, others are rich in water ice and other volatile compounds, while others have compositions that are a variety of combinations of all these.

                            c.           

These planets have iron-nickel cores and primarily silicate surfaces.

                            d.           

These planets may contain silicates, but have a high concentration of volatiles in ice form.

Explanation / Answer

These planets demonstrate a wide variation of compositions. Some are primarily an iron-nickel compound, others are composed of silicates, others are primarily composed of silicates and organic compounds, others are rich in water ice and other volatile compounds, while others have compositions that are a variety of combinations of all these.

b.

These planets demonstrate a wide variation of compositions. Some are primarily an iron-nickel compound, others are composed of silicates, others are primarily composed of silicates and organic compounds, others are rich in water ice and other volatile compounds, while others have compositions that are a variety of combinations of all these.