Question

Orbital resonance also gives Europa an elliptical orbit, so it experiences tidal heating, too. However, Europa experiences less tidal heating than Io, because Europa __________ than Io.

a.is much smaller
b.is more perfectly spherical in shape
c.is farther from Jupiter
d.contains much more ice

Answer 1

Europa experiences less tidal heating than Io because it is farther from Jupiter, leading to less gravitational pull and therefore less intense heating.

Step-by-step explanation:

Europa experiences less tidal heating than Io because Europa is farther from Jupiter than Io is. Tidal heating is a result of the gravitational pull causing deformation of a moon's shape as it orbits its parent planet. This effect can generate internal heat through friction as the body flexes. Io, being closer to Jupiter, experiences a stronger gravitational pull and thus more extreme tidal heating. Europa, despite also having an elliptical orbit and undergoing tidal heating, is farther out and therefore subject to less intense deformation and heating compared to Io.