key term - Density

Definition

Density is the measure of mass per unit volume of a substance. In astronomy, it helps in understanding the composition and structure of celestial bodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Density is calculated by dividing mass by volume (Density = Mass/Volume).
2. The average density of a planet can reveal information about its internal composition, such as whether it is primarily made of rock, metal, or gas.
3. Terrestrial planets like Earth have higher densities compared to gas giants like Jupiter.
4. Differentiation, the process where denser materials sink to a planetary core while lighter materials rise to the surface, affects a planet's density distribution.
5. Density plays a crucial role in determining gravitational interactions between celestial bodies.

Review Questions

Related terms

Mass:

The amount of matter contained in an object, typically measured in kilograms.

Volume:

The amount of space an object occupies, typically measured in cubic meters.

Gravitational Force:

The force that attracts two bodies towards each other, proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.