Why Is the Mass of the Earth Important to Maintain

question 91

Multiple Choice

Why is the mass of the earth important to maintain life as we know it?

• A)If we had more or less mass,the earth would not have plate tectonics and would be covered entirely by water.
• B)If it had more or less mass,the atmosphere would be very different with either too much ammonia and methane or too little oxygen and water.
• C)If the earth's mass were significantly different,we would be bombarded by cosmic rays that would strip away our atmosphere.
• D)If the earth's mass were greater,we would be bombarded by meteorites and if it were smaller,we would not be able to hold the moon in orbit.