Question

select the correct answer. ganymede is one of the many moons of jupiter. it is nearly spherical in shape. it is larger than the planet mercury and slightly smaller than the planet mars. if it is so large compared with the bodies around it, why is it called a moon and not a planet?
a. it is too far from the sun.

b. it is smaller than jupiter.

c. it moves in an orbit around jupiter.

d. it has no gravitational pull.

Explanation:

To determine why Ganymede is a moon (not a planet), we analyze the options:

• Option A: Distance from the Sun doesn't define a moon/planet. Planets orbit the Sun, moons orbit planets, regardless of Sun distance. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Size relative to Jupiter isn't the key. Moons orbit planets, and size alone doesn't determine classification. Eliminate B.
• Option C: By definition, a moon (natural satellite) orbits a planet. Ganymede orbits Jupiter, so this fits.
• Option D: All celestial bodies have gravitational pull. Eliminate D.

Answer:

C. It moves in an orbit around Jupiter.