Question

which statement accurately describes the outer planets?
pluto is one of the outer planets.
the outer planets are also called rocky planets.
the outer planets have thin atmospheres.
the outer planets have a high gravity due to their large size.

Explanation:

• Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet, not an outer planet (the outer planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune).
• The outer planets are gas giants, not rocky planets (rocky planets are the inner ones - Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars).
• The outer planets have thick atmospheres.
• According to the formula for gravitational force \(F = G\frac{Mm}{r^{2}}\), where \(G\) is the gravitational constant, \(M\) is the mass of the planet, \(m\) is the mass of an object on the planet, and \(r\) is the radius of the planet. Larger mass (due to their large size) leads to higher gravitational force on the surface (assuming similar density - radius relationships).

Answer:

The outer planets have a high gravity due to their large size.