Final answer:
The rocks on terrestrial planets like Earth, Venus, Mars, Mercury, and the Moon do transform over time due to geological activity, impacts from space, and varying degrees of heat from the Sun.
Step-by-step explanation:
Just like Earth, other terrestrial planets such as Venus, Mars, Mercury, and the Moon are comprised mainly of rock. These planets are subject to geological transformation due to various factors. For instance, the intensity of geological activity on these planets is often related to their mass: Earth and Venus exhibit the highest levels, Mars shows less activity, and minimal to no activity is observed on the Moon and Mercury. Aside from internal processes, external factors like impacts and the proximity to the Sun can cause changes on the planetary surface.
The terrestrial planets were once molten, allowing differentiation, with denser materials sinking toward their centers. This process resulted in the formation of distinct layers within these planets. Over time, various forces have shaped their surfaces. Impacts from space objects can create craters and mountains, while volcanism and tectonic activity also modify the landscape. Smaller planets with less surface gravity, like the Moon, are capable of supporting higher mountains. Planetary evolution has been further influenced by the retention or loss of atmospheres, as well as the presence of liquid water, which is unique to Earth among terrestrial planets.
In summary, the rocks on these planets certainly transform due to inherent geological activity and external influences, such as impacts and heat from the Sun.