Concept explainers
Explain why the Moon and Mercury possess only very weak, transient atmospheres consisting of constituents temporarily captured from the solar wind or released by collisions with interplanetary debris.
Why the Moon and Mercury possess only very weak, transient atmospheres consisting of constituents temporarily captured from the solar wind or released by collisions with interplanetary debris.
Answer to Problem 1AS
Both Moon and Mercury possess weak gravitational field which is caused by the dissipation of its atmosphere. Hence, the Moon and Mercury possess only very weak, transient atmospheres.
Explanation of Solution
Mercury is a small planet very close to the Sun; it is hot (having a surface temperature of more than 400 K) and has a low surface gravity (1 g on Mercury equals
Conclusion:
Both Moon and Mercury possess weak gravitational field which is caused by the dissipation of its atmosphere. Hence, the Moon and Mercury possess only very weak, transient atmospheres.
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