Question

Why does titan have such a nitrogen-rich atmosphere?

a. the nitrogen comes from the breakup of ammonia (nh3) by solar radiation and subsequent thermal escape of the hydrogen.
b. the nitrogen was created through a chain of fusion reactions in titan's core.
c. the nitrogen was formed from the chemical reaction of sulphuric acid with surface rocks.
d. through the impact of nitrogen rich comets during the early solar system.
e. it was formed that way in the solar nebula.

Answer 1

The student's question about why Titan has a nitrogen-rich atmosphere is answered by explaining that it is due to the breakdown of ammonia by solar radiation, followed by the escape of hydrogen, leaving a mainly nitrogen atmosphere.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nitrogen-rich atmosphere of Titan can be attributed to the breakdown of ammonia (NH3) and the subsequent escape of hydrogen, leaving a nitrogen-dominated atmosphere.

Titan's significant atmosphere, composed primarily of nitrogen, likely originated from volatiles like ammonia, methane, and nitrogen that were present in Titan's formation.

Far from the Sun's warmth, these volatiles solidified except for nitrogen, which became the main constituent of Titan's atmosphere.

Ultraviolet light from the Sun interacts with the atmosphere, breaking down nitrogen and methane to create a plethora of organic compounds, indicating a chemistry rich with organic molecules on Titan.