Many Planetary Scientists Believe Mercury Suffered a Major Collision Early

question 262

Multiple Choice

Many planetary scientists believe Mercury suffered a major collision early in the history of the solar system. How could such a collision explain some of Mercury's peculiar properties?

• A) Mercury's original core, along with a relatively thin mantle, formed the present Mercury. The remaining material was deflected out into the inner solar system.
• B) The impactor, a large iron meteorite, was absorbed by Mercury, enhancing its iron core.
• C) Mercury's original core, plus a very thin mantle, formed the present Mercury. The remaining material formed Vulcan, the small planet inside Mercury's orbit.
• D) The result was dense Mercury and non-dense Venus.

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Definitions:

Plane Operating Costs

The expenses associated with operating an aircraft, including fuel, maintenance, and crew salaries.

Spending Variance

The difference between the actual costs incurred and the budgeted or planned costs, often used in budget control and variance analysis.

Cost Formulas

Equations used to calculate the costs associated with the production of goods or services, often involving fixed and variable components.

Plane Operating Costs

The expenses related to operating an aircraft, including fuel, maintenance, crew salaries, and hangar fees.