Question

Icy materials melt and deform at ___ temps, so icy moons have ____ geological activity than rocky terrestrial planets of the same size.

a) High, Greater
b) Low, Lesser
c) Moderate, Equal
d) Extreme, Variable

Answer 1

Icy materials melt and deform at low temperatures, so icy moons have less geological activity than rocky terrestrial planets of the same size.

Step-by-step explanation:

Icy materials melt and deform at low temperatures, so icy moons have less geological activity than rocky terrestrial planets of the same size.

Geological activity on a planet is the result of a hot interior. The larger the planet or moon, the longer it retains its internal heat, and therefore the more we expect to see surface evidence of continuing geological activity. This is because the larger objects cool more slowly. For example, our own experience with a hot baked potato: the larger the potato, the more slowly it cools.

On the other hand, icy moons have low temperatures, which cause icy materials to melt and deform. This leads to less geological activity compared to rocky terrestrial planets, which typically have higher temperatures that can sustain more geological activity.