Question 3 — If the Earth were - Questions at the end of the chapter - Chapter 13 Class 8 - Our Home: Earth, a Unique Life Sustaining Planet

Last updated at June 17, 2026 by

Q 3
Question

If the Earth were smaller with the same density, what might happen to its atmosphere?

  • (i) It would become thicker and hotter.
  • (ii) It would escape into space due to weaker gravity.
  • (iii) It would become frozen.
  • (iv) It would cause stronger winds.
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Answer
(ii) It would escape into space due to weaker gravity.

Explanation

  • A smaller planet would have weaker gravity.
  • Weak gravity cannot hold on to the gases of the atmosphere.
  • So the atmosphere would escape into space.
  • This is why Mars, a smaller planet, has a very thin atmosphere.
Weak gravity lets a planet's atmosphere escape.
← Back to concept: 13.3.2 Size of the Earth
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