Astronomy 210 Quiz 7, Spring Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
According to the condensation sequence hypothesis, why are the inner planets of the solar system composed of metals/rocks, while the outer planets are composed of ices/gases?
(A) The gravitational pull of the sun.
(B) The sun's magnetic fields.
(C) Strong winds generated by the sun.
(D) Heat generated by the sun.
Correct answer: (D)
Heat generated by the sun means that volatiles cannot condense to start forming the cores of the inner terrestrial planets, while further out, where it is cooler, volatiles can condense to start forming the outer jovian planets.
Section 30676
(A) : 10 students
(B) : 16 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 38 students
"Success level": 58% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.55
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