Question 9.1

How and why do the inner planets of the solar system differ from its outer planets?

Question 9.2

What caused Earth to differentiate into a layered planet, and what was the result?

Question 9.3

Mercury’s average density is less than Earth’s, but the relative size of its core is larger. How can you explain this?

Question 9.4

What aspects of the geology of Earth and the Moon are consistent with high impact rates during the Late Heavy Bombardment?

Question 9.5

What surface features would you look for on Mars if you were searching for evidence of liquid water in its geologic past?

Question 9.6

What are the advantages and disadvantages of spacecraft that fly by or orbit a planetary body versus those that land on or move around on its surface?