Jupiter Contains a Number of Small Moons That Are Thought

question 75

Multiple Choice

Jupiter contains a number of small moons that are thought to be captured comets or material ejected by collisions with larger objects. What is the evidence for this theory?

• A) Spacecraft have sampled them, and they are known to be comets.
• B) Analyses from spacecraft show they have compositions completely different than Jupiter or its moons.
• C) They are too big to have been formed during planetary accretion.
• D) Their orbits are highly elliptical, off the plane of the ecliptic, and many are retrograde, which is unlikely for satellite formed during planetary accretion.

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Definitions:

Utility Function

A utility function is a mathematical representation of a consumer's preference structure, showing how different bundles of goods and services translate into levels of satisfaction or utility.

Exchange Equilibrium

Exchange equilibrium refers to a state in a market where the supply of goods is equal to the demand for goods, resulting in no excess supply or demand.

Perfect Competition

A market structure characterized by an infinite number of buyers and sellers, homogenous products, and no barriers to entry or exit, leading to price takers rather than price makers.

Efficiency

The ability to achieve a desired result or work output with minimum wasted effort or expense.