Two planets orbit a distant star.If the planets have identical compositions,the one that cools fastest would have the:
A) largest orbital semimajor axis.
B) smallest orbital semimajor axis.
C) largest planetary radius.
D) smallest planetary radius.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate at which a planet cools is influenced by its surface area relative to its volume. A planet with a smaller radius has a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing it to radiate heat more efficiently into space, thus cooling faster.

Two Planets Orbit a Distant Star