Thermal expansion coefficient of Jupiter

In summary, the conversation discusses the difficulty in finding information about the composition of Jupiter's atmosphere and why a singular coefficient is not a useful measurement due to the planet's diverse composition and unknown factors.
  • #1
darknessvirtu
3
0
Does anybody know? I tried googling can't seem to turn up any answers
 
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  • #2
Uh, you might start by googling for the average composition of Jupiter's atmosphere to the depth that the Galileo mission's probe survived...
 
  • #3
darknessvirtu said:
Does anybody know? I tried googling can't seem to turn up any answers

Jupiter doesn't have a homogeneous constitution so a singular coefficient is meaningless.
 
  • #4
Jupiter doesn't have a homogeneous constitution so a singular coefficient is meaningless.

Surely a proportionally sound average of all known constituents would yield a somewhat informative estimation.
 
  • #5
Jimbone said:
Surely a proportionally sound average of all known constituents would yield a somewhat informative estimation.

Considering the variety of high pressure phases and multitude of unknowns involved, no.
 

1. What is the thermal expansion coefficient of Jupiter?

The thermal expansion coefficient of Jupiter is approximately 8.53 x 10^-5 /K, meaning that for every 1 Kelvin increase in temperature, Jupiter's volume will expand by 8.53 x 10^-5 times its original volume.

2. How does Jupiter's thermal expansion coefficient compare to other planets?

Jupiter's thermal expansion coefficient is relatively low compared to other gas giants in our solar system, such as Saturn and Neptune, which have coefficients of 11.4 x 10^-5 /K and 12.3 x 10^-5 /K, respectively.

3. What factors influence Jupiter's thermal expansion coefficient?

The thermal expansion coefficient of Jupiter is primarily influenced by its composition and temperature. Jupiter's high concentration of hydrogen and helium, along with its low surface temperature, contribute to its relatively low coefficient.

4. How is the thermal expansion coefficient of Jupiter measured?

The thermal expansion coefficient of Jupiter is typically calculated using data collected by spacecraft missions, such as the Voyager and Galileo missions, which measure Jupiter's temperature and atmospheric composition. These measurements are then used to calculate the coefficient using mathematical equations.

5. Can the thermal expansion coefficient of Jupiter change over time?

Yes, the thermal expansion coefficient of Jupiter can change over time. Factors such as changes in atmospheric composition, temperature, and pressure can all affect the coefficient. Additionally, as Jupiter's core continues to cool over time, its thermal expansion coefficient may also decrease.

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