Astronomy clicker question: jovian weather patterns

Astronomy 10, Fall Semester 2007
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Astronomy 10 learning goal Q6.1

Students were asked the following clicker question (Classroom Performance System, einstruction.com) at the end of their learning cycle:

[0.3 points.] Which one of the following choices best explains why Saturn's belt-zones and cyclonic spot cloud features are less prominent than Jupiter's?
(A) Saturn supplies less tidal heating than Jupiter.
(B) Saturn retains much less heat than Jupiter.
(C) Saturn is farther from the Sun than Jupiter.
(D) Saturn has much less liquid metallic hydrogen than Jupiter.
(E) Saturn's rings are much more prominent than Jupiter's.

Correct answer: not revealed yet (see discussion).

Initial responses below:

Student responses
Section 1073
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 12 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 10 students
(E) : 2 students

The energy source of jovian planet belt-zone and cyclone weather patterns is core heat. A cooler core would result in less prominent weather patterns. The same question was asked again, with no explanation from the instructor.

[0.3 points.] Which one of the following choices best explains why Saturn's belt-zones and cyclonic spot cloud features are less prominent than Jupiter's?
(A) Saturn supplies less tidal heating than Jupiter.
(B) Saturn retains much less heat than Jupiter.
(C) Saturn is farther from the Sun than Jupiter.
(D) Saturn has much less liquid metallic hydrogen than Jupiter.
(E) Saturn's rings are much more prominent than Jupiter's.

Correct answer: (B)

Student responses
Section 1073
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 26 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 1 student
(E) : 0 students