Final answer:
The uncompressed density of a planet is greatest for the terrestrial planets closest to the sun, rather than the Jovian planets. This is due to the terrestrial planets being composed of denser materials, while Jovian planets like Jupiter, despite their larger masses, have lower densities as they consist primarily of gases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The uncompressed density of a planet in our solar system is greatest for the planets closest to the sun, which are the terrestrial planets. This is because they are made of denser materials like rocks and metals. In contrast, the Jovian planets, which include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, have lower densities as they are composed mainly of gases like hydrogen and helium and have extensive atmospheres.
Jupiter, being the largest planet with a mass 318 times that of Earth, has a lower average density (1.3 g/cm³) compared to the terrestrial planets. This can be attributed to its large volume. Additionally, a planet's density can be influenced by its composition and how tightly its material is packed, which is affected by the planet's mass and gravity. For instance, as a planet's mass increases, its gravity compresses its material, leading to a higher density up to a certain point, while the Jovian planets, despite their mass, remain less dense due to their composition.
Therefore, the uncompressed density is not greatest for the planets with the largest mass or radius but rather for those terrestrial planets closer to the Sun.