How did moluculair oxygen devoleped on Mercury?

In summary: Wikipedia tells me 2 things about oxygen on Mercury. 1. Its in the atmosphere and 2. 40 % of the atmosphere is moluculair oxygen.3 things.
  • #1
2ossy
4
0
Hello,
A question about the devolepment of oxygen on Mercury:

I learned that all the oxygen (O2) at our planet was formed by photosynthesis of bacteria.
So how could oxygen develop on mercury without life??

(Composition of the atmosphere of Mercury: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(planet ))
 
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  • #2
2ossy said:
Hello,
A question about the devolepment of oxygen on Mercury:

I learned that all the oxygen (O2) at our planet was formed by photosynthesis of bacteria.
So how could oxygen develop on mercury without life??

(Composition of the atmosphere of Mercury: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(planet ))

The oxygen on Mercury is knocked off the rocks by high speed particles from the Sun. Only tiny amounts are present and are lost to space almost as quickly as they're made. Ultraviolet light can make oxygen by splitting up gases like carbon dioxide and water vapour, but the amount can't accumulate because the oxygen reacts with surface minerals. Only plants can continually replace what is lost to surface reactions - without their production Earth's oxygen would be depleted in a few million years.
 
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  • #3
qraal said:
The oxygen on Mercury is knocked off the rocks by high speed particles from the Sun. Only tiny amounts are present and are lost to space almost as quickly as they're made.

Ok, but according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(planet ) Mercuries atmosphere exists 40% out of moluculair oxygen.

I know that wikipedia isn't allways right, but do you have a source that tells that Mercury have tiny amounts of oxygen?
 
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  • #4
2ossy said:
Ok, but according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(planet ) Mercuries atmosphere exists 40% out of moluculair oxygen.

I know that wikipedia isn't allways right, but do you have a source that tells that Mercury have tiny amounts of oxygen?

Read your own source, Wikipedia tells you it has tiny amounts of oxygen.
 
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  • #5
Jack21222 said:
Read your own source, Wikipedia tells you it has tiny amounts of oxygen.

Wikipedia tells me 2 things about oxygen on Mercury. 1. Its in the atmosphere and 2. 40 % of the atmosphere is moluculair oxygen.
 
  • #6
3 things. Atmospheric pressure = "trace"
 
  • #7
Mercury's 'atmosphere' is effectively non-existant, it has a pressure of around 10^-14 times that of Earth. Europa, Jupiter's moon has an 'atmosphere' thicker than that at 10^-12 bar.
 
  • #8
Ok, thanks for the explanation :)
 

1. How did molecular oxygen develop on Mercury?

The presence of molecular oxygen on Mercury is believed to have originated from volcanic activity. During volcanic eruptions, gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide are released into the atmosphere. These gases can then undergo photochemical reactions, resulting in the production of molecular oxygen.

2. Is there a natural process that contributes to the development of molecular oxygen on Mercury?

Yes, besides volcanic activity, solar radiation can also play a role in the production of molecular oxygen on Mercury. When high-energy particles from the sun interact with the surface of Mercury, chemical reactions can occur, leading to the formation of molecular oxygen.

3. How does the lack of a significant atmosphere on Mercury affect the development of molecular oxygen?

Mercury has a very thin atmosphere, which means there is less protection from solar radiation. This allows for more intense photochemical reactions to occur, resulting in the production of molecular oxygen.

4. Are there any human activities that could contribute to the development of molecular oxygen on Mercury?

No, there are currently no human activities on Mercury that could contribute to the development of molecular oxygen. However, future space exploration and potential human settlements on the planet could potentially impact the atmospheric composition and the production of molecular oxygen.

5. Can molecular oxygen on Mercury be used for human consumption or fuel?

While molecular oxygen is present on Mercury, it is in very small quantities and is not easily accessible. Additionally, the harsh environment and lack of a significant atmosphere make it challenging to extract and use molecular oxygen for human consumption or fuel.

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