Which planet makes up about 70 percent of the mass of all the planets?

Prepare for the Spaatz Aerospace Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Learn with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and accounts for approximately 70 percent of the combined mass of all the planets. Its enormous size and mass are primarily due to its composition, which is mostly hydrogen and helium, similar to that of a star. This significant mass not only influences its strong gravitational pull, but it also plays a critical role in the formation and stability of the solar system.

In contrast, the other planets like Saturn, Earth, and Neptune have much smaller masses relative to Jupiter. Saturn is the second-largest planet but still has nowhere near the mass of Jupiter. Earth and Neptune are significantly smaller, with Earth being the third planet from the sun and Neptune being the farthest of the gas giants, making their contributions to the total planetary mass minor compared to Jupiter. Thus, Jupiter's dominance in mass is a foundational aspect of its characteristics and its influence within the solar system.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy