One of the most important sources of heat in the interiors of moons that orbit close to giant planets is
A) reflection of sunlight from the planet's surface onto the moons.
B) continuous tidal distortion from other moons and the planet.
C) absorption of thermal radiation from the planet.
D) decay of radioactive elements within the moons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Continuous tidal distortion from other moons and the planet is the most important source of heat in the interiors of moons that orbit close to giant planets. The gravitational pull from the giant planet and other moons causes the moon's interior to flex and stretch, generating heat through friction. This process is known as tidal heating and is responsible for the geological activity seen on some of these moons, such as volcanoes and geysers.

One of the Most Important Sources of Heat in the Interiors