Why is Neptune denser than Saturn?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks: Why is Neptune denser than Saturn?

First, note that the provided data includes an answer statement but no answer options to evaluate. The absence of multiple choices means we cannot assess which option would be considered correct in a test format, but we can still analyze the given statement and the underlying physics.

Given statement to analyze: 'It has a different composition than Saturn, including a higher proportion of hydrogen compounds and rocks.' This is partially aligned with why Neptune is denser than Saturn in a real planetary context. Neptune is composed largely of ices (water, ammonia, methane) and rock, with a relatively smaller, though still substantial, gaseous envelope. Saturn, by contrast, is a gas giant whose bulk is dominated by hydrogen and helium gas with a very extended, low-density atmosphere and envelope. The contrast in overall composition and internal structure leads to a higher average density for Neptune, even though Neptune is smaller in size.

Expanding on the concept: density is mass per unit volume. Neptune has a substantial amount of heavier elements (ices and rock) in its interior and a thinner, less massive gaseous envelope compared to Saturn. Saturn’s envelope is mostly lightweight hydrogen and helium spread over a vastly larger volume, which lowers its average density despite having a large mass. Therefore, the main reason Neptune is denser is not simply its size, but the proportion of heavier materials in its interior relative to the enormous, low-density gaseous envelope of Saturn.

Now, considering the correctness of the specific statement:
- It asserts a different composition between Neptune and Saturn, which is true: Neptune is ice/rock-rich, while Saturn is gas-dominated. 
- It claims Neptune has a higher proportion of hydrogen compounds and rocks. The mention of rocks is accurate for Neptune; the reference to hydrogen compounds is somewhat ambiguous. Neptune does contain hydrogen compounds (ices like water, methane, ammonia) within its interior, but Saturn’s overall composition is dominated by hydrogen and helium gas. The phrase 'higher proportion of hydrogen compounds' could be interpreted as Neptune having more hydrogen-bearing ices relative to rock than Saturn, which is not the typical way to frame the comparison. The clearer, more accurate explanation would emphasize that Neptune has a larger fraction of heavier elements (ices and rocks) relative to its mass than Saturn does, and that Saturn’s vast hydrogen/helium envelope makes it less dense overall.

If you were choosing among options, a more precise correct option would state something like: 'Neptune is denser because it has a larger proportion of heavier elements (ices and rocks) in its interior and a comparatively thinner hydrogen/helium envelope than Saturn, which is dominated by low-density hydrogen and helium gas.'

In summary, the core idea in the provided statement—that the difference in composition explains Neptune’s higher density—is directionally correct, but the phrasing could be refined to avoid implying that Neptune has a larger proportion of hydrogen compounds relative to Saturn, since the key factor is the presence of heavier elements in Neptune’s interior and Saturn’s extensive low-density gas envelope.

EARTHSC 2205 SP2025 (19389) Jovian

Why is Neptune denser than Saturn?

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EARTHSC 2205 SP2025 (19389) Jovian

Why is Neptune denser than Saturn?

查看解析

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类似问题

Moons close to Jupiter have relatively more _____, while those farther away have relatively more _____.

The interior of Jupiter principally consists of

Compared to Jupiter and Saturn, Uranus and Neptune

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Which of the following does the composition of a planet like Jupiter resemble:

Pluto's composition is most similar to that of a

Overall, Jupiter's composition is more like that of

Compared to other rocky planets, the Moon is deficient in which of the following elements?

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Moons close to Jupiter have relatively more _, while those farther away have relatively more _.