Question about Jupiter atmosphere

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    Atmosphere Jupiter
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the composition of Jupiter's atmosphere, primarily its hydrogen (H2) content, and the reasons it does not explode despite hydrogen's explosive nature on Earth. Participants clarify that hydrogen requires oxygen (O2) to combust, which is not present in sufficient quantities on Jupiter. The conversation also touches on the improbability of finding a planet with a stable hydrogen-oxygen mixture that could lead to violent reactions, emphasizing that gas giants like Jupiter lack the necessary conditions for combustion.

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  • Understanding of atmospheric chemistry, specifically the role of hydrogen and oxygen in combustion.
  • Knowledge of planetary science, particularly gas giant characteristics.
  • Familiarity with the concept of elemental composition in the universe.
  • Basic principles of explosive reactions and stability in gaseous mixtures.
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  • Research the chemical properties of hydrogen and oxygen mixtures in various planetary atmospheres.
  • Explore the conditions required for combustion in extraterrestrial environments.
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  • Learn about the stability of gaseous mixtures and their implications for planetary formation and evolution.
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Astronomers, planetary scientists, and educators interested in atmospheric chemistry and the dynamics of gas giants.

fluidistic
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I know it's not a bright question, but I'd like to know the answer as well. I've read that the high atmosphere of Jupiter contains molecules of Hydrogen (H_2). It is well known that (under Earth atmosphere at least), this gas is highly explosive. I just wonder why the atmosphere of Jupiter doesn't explode at least partially. I'm guessing that the concentration of gas on the atmosphere is just way too low to start a fire reaction, but it's only a guess. If it appears to be true, I'd like to know the concentration required to start a fire reaction between Hydrogen molecules. (I know it produces water...in case I'm not specific enough of the gas I'm talking about).
 
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No, H2 explosion needs O2 as well
 
Oh you're right... that's why it produces water. Anyway, isn't it possible to find a planet with an atmosphere mixed with hydrogen and oxygen in such quantities that it can interact violently? I don't think it might occur in the Solar System since Jupiter is just heavy enough to retain the hydrogen in its atmosphere... Maybe big explosions occurs in another planets and we might see them then.
 
More than 75% of the mass of the universe is hydrogen, oxygen only 1%, so big gas planets will be unlikely to have the right mix to make combustion possible.
 
More than 75% of the mass of the universe is hydrogen, oxygen only 1%, so big gas planets will be unlikely to have the right mix to make combustion possible.
Too bad... It would also be much less brighter than a little star, so there is no hope to observe it.
I believe planets don't fit the global universe statistics of component elements though.
Now I'm thinking about planets that contains liquid (or ice) H_2 and 0_2. If there is a storm or a cataclysm (say, for example a big cliff falling into the liquefied gases), it would be possible to engender a terrible explosion, but yes, very unlikely to happen.
Thank you both for the clarification. I'm done with this question.
 
Well, such a thing wouldn't be stable anyway. A hydrogen/oxygen mixture is explosive, so a giant ball of it would simplly explode and then be gone. There is no equilibrium to be had like in a star.
 

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