Question

The colours of the clouds cannot be caused by ammonia, ammonia hydrosulfide, or water, which form colourless, white crystals. Rather, astronomers think that the colours are caused by ______________ modified by sunlight.

Answer 1

The vibrant colors of Jupiter's clouds are caused by impurities created by photochemical reactions that produce chromophores, which are modified by sunlight.

Step-by-step explanation:

The colors of the clouds on planets such as Jupiter are not caused by ammonia, ammonia hydrosulfide, or water, which all create colorless or white crystals. Instead, astronomers believe that the colors are caused by impurities resulting from photochemical reactions in the atmosphere of the planet, modified by sunlight. In the case of Jupiter, photochemistry leads to the formation of complex compounds of hydrogen and carbon, which produce a thin layer of smog consisting of various colorants known as 'chromophores' above the visible clouds. This smog does not block our view of the clouds below but adds to the coloration.