Question

A scientist discovers a new planet. She notices that the planet has alternating bands in the atmosphere that all flow in the same direction. What can she assume about the planet? The planet is gaseous and rotates quickly for its size. The planet is solid and rotates quickly for its size. The planet is gaseous and rotates slowly for its size. The planet is solid and rotates slowly for its size.

Answer 1

A. The planet is gaseous and rotates quickly for its size.

Answer 2

Answer: The planet is gaseous and rotates quickly for its size.

Explanation:

A solid planet would not have bands as it has a rocky surface. A gaseous planet does not have any solid surface. Its atmosphere and surface has different density of gases.

A gaseous planet would show bands as there would be differential motion of the planet. The equatorial zone would move faster than the one near the poles. This is characteristic of all the gaseous celestial bodies which are rotating.

Different bands are visible in largest gaseous planet of solar system - Jupiter. The visibility of the bands depends on the composition and temperature. Thus, It can be assumed that the planet is gaseous and rotates quickly for its size.