How do the size and chemical composition of a planet determine ...

[luvbio]

How do the size and chemical composition of a planet determine its internal temperature?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Sunspots are cooler than the surrounding solar surface because
 
  A) they are regions where convection carries cooler material downward.
  B) strong magnetic fields slow convection and prevent hot plasma from entering the region.
  C) magnetic fields trap ionized gases that absorb light.
  D) there is less fusion occurring there.
  E) magnetic fields lift material from the surface of the Sun, cooling off the material faster.

[carolinefletcherr]

Answer to Question 1

Size is the most important factor in determining how rapidly a planet loses its internal heat. The larger a planet is, the deeper is the insulation that surrounds the core and keeps in the heat. The chemical composition of a planet determines the amount of radioactive elements present. Currently the terrestrial planets' primary source of heat is radioactivity.

Answer to Question 2

B

[luvbio]

Thank you!

[carolinefletcherr]

Always glad to help...