03. What makes atmospheres different from one another? (A K2S Question)

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Planetary atmospheres differ from each other for a number of reasons. Those planets closer to the Sun receive more sunlight which can drive out the lighter gases like hydrogen and helium, leaving heavier gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Volcanoes can also change a planet's atmosphere by releasing large amounts of new gas. The Earth is unique because it supports plant and animal life which converts oxygen into carbon dioxide and back again.

Answer provided by Robert P. McCoy, Ph.D.


Image:K2S logosmall.jpg Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer


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