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Granite and basalt are found in the Earth's crust - Junior Cycle Science - Question 16 - 2019
Question 16
Granite and basalt are found in the Earth's crust. Use the data given in the tables to state whether or not it is likely that all the Earth is made of these rocks. J... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Granite and basalt are found in the Earth's crust - Junior Cycle Science - Question 16 - 2019
Step 1
Granite and basalt are found in the Earth's crust. Use the data given in the tables to state whether or not it is likely that all the Earth is made of these rocks. Justify your answer.
Answer
It is unlikely that all of the Earth is made from granite and basalt. The data indicates that the Earth has a density of 5.51 g/cm³. In contrast, granite has a density of 2.8 g/cm³, and basalt has a density of 3.0 g/cm³. Since these lighter materials cannot contribute to the density of the Earth, which is significantly higher, it suggests that other denser materials must be present in the Earth's composition.
Step 2
Use the data given for Jupiter and Earth to explain why Jupiter is described as a “gas giant”.
Answer
Jupiter is considered a "gas giant" primarily due to its low density. The Earth's density is 5.51 g/cm³, while Jupiter's density is only 1.33 g/cm³. This indicates that Jupiter likely consists primarily of lighter materials, such as gases, rather than solid or rocky materials. Therefore, its classification as a gas giant stems from this significant difference in density.
Step 3
What is the difference between a moon and a planet?
Answer
A moon is defined as a natural satellite that orbits a planet. In contrast, a planet is a celestial body that orbits a star and is large enough to have been shaped by its own gravity. Additionally, planets have cleared their orbits of other debris, while moons do not necessarily govern their orbits.
Step 4
Describe another example of how our scientific understanding changed over time.
Answer
One significant shift in scientific understanding occurred with the transition from the geocentric model of the universe to the heliocentric model. Initially, it was widely accepted that the Earth was the center of the universe. However, with improved observational data from telescopes, it became clear that the sun is at the center of our solar system, leading to a fundamental change in our understanding of celestial mechanics.