Question

What separates the terrestrial planets from the jovian or gas planets in space?

Answer 1

Terrestrial planets are solid and rocky, while jovian planets are large with substantial gaseous envelopes and no solid surfaces, suggesting different formation conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main distinction between terrestrial planets and jovian, or gas planets, lies in their composition and formation. Terrestrial planets, like Earth, are characterized by their solid, rocky surfaces and are primarily composed of heavy elements. These planets have undergone the process of differentiation, which separates their materials according to density, resulting in a layered internal structure with a metal core and a rocky mantle and crust.

On the other hand, jovian planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, are much larger and are predominantly composed of lighter materials like ices, liquids, and gases. Jovian planets have substantial gaseous envelopes and do not have solid surfaces—resembling vast oceans with dense cores. Their atmospheres are thick and are more representative of their overall composition, displaying intense weather patterns, including storms larger than Earth itself.

Answer 2

In our solar system, terrestrial planets are separated from the gas giants by the asteroid belt. The asteroid belt is a region in the solar system between Mars and Jupiter where asteroids are located. Gas giants do not have a solid surface and possible a small rocky core. The gas giants are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. The first four planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.