Final answer:
Outer planets are characterized by A. Long orbits, C. Many moons, and D. Large mass. They do not have rocky crusts but instead possess dense cores surrounded by gases. The weak gravitational force on their surface is due to their large radii and composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question focuses on identifying the characteristics of the outer planets in our solar system. These planets, also known as Jovian or giant planets, include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The most relevant features of these outer planets that should be highlighted are:
- A. Long orbits: Outer planets have significantly longer orbital periods due to their greater distances from the Sun.
- C. Many moons: These planets have numerous natural satellites, with Jupiter and Saturn having the most.
- D. Large mass: Outer planets have a substantial mass, with dense cores estimated to be roughly 10 times the mass of Earth.
- E. Weak gravitational force: While they exert a strong gravitational pull due to their size, the gravitational force on the surface can be weaker than on Earth due to their larger radii and composition.
Regarding option B, the outer planets do not have rocky crusts similar to those of the terrestrial planets. Their composition includes a dense core surrounded by thick layers of gases, primarily hydrogen and helium.
In conclusion, the characteristics that accurately apply to the outer planets are: A. Long orbits, C. Many moons, and D. Large mass. While they do have a substantial gravitational force overall, it is distributed over a much vaster expanse compared to Earth, leading to a weaker surface gravity relative to their size.