TOPIC: EARTH

Objectives:
1. Recognize the difference in the physical and chemical properties between the Earth and its
neighboring planets; and
2. Identify the factors that allow a planet to support life.

Introduction:
The humanity’s failure to protect the environment and life here on Earth is likely due to the following:
a. Inability to recognize the full consequence of his/her actions.
b. Lack of appreciation of how truly unique the Earth is.
Pre-activity:
Study the table and information below to compare and contrast Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Term Definitions:
a. Escape velocity - minimum speed an object needs to escape a planet's pull of gravity.
b. Surface pressure – atmospheric pressure at a location on the surface of the planet. It is proportional to the
mass of air above the location
c. Temperature if no GHG - this would be the temperature of the planet without the warming effect of
greenhouse gases.
**Note that the temperature of the Earth would be 18ºC lower without greenhouse warming.
 Greenhouse effect is not necessarily undesirable. It is run-away greenhouse effect which we would like to
avoid.
d. Length of day - a function of rotational speed.

e. The Earth's magnetic field is believed to be the consequence of the presence of a solid metallic inner core
and a liquid metallic outer core
f. The ability of a planet to retain its internal heat is proportional to its size.
g. A planet's temperature is a function of distance from the Sun but is modified by the amount of greenhouse
warming.
h. Water - in the liquid form, turns out to be one of the most important prerequisites for life. There is recent
evidence that liquid water, in the form of brine (salty water) flows intermittently on the surface of Mars.
i. Thermophiles - bacteria that can tolerate extreme temperatures (41 to 122ºC) commonly associated with hot
springs and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Life, in general can tolerate a wide range of temperature
conditions. The temperature range that allows water to exist in the liquid state is the over-riding factor.
j. Planets should have sufficient size to hold a significant atmosphere. The composition of the atmosphere,
specifically the amount of greenhouse gases, influences the planet surface temperature.
k. The amount of solar radiation that a planet receives is primarily a function of distance from the sun. Sunlight is
essential for photosynthesis but some organisms are able to extract energy from other sources
(chemosynthetic organisms).
l. A system that will be able to constantly supply nutrients to organisms is important to sustain life. On Earth,
nutrients are cycled through the hydrologic cycle and plate tectonics (volcanism).
m. Internal heat drives plate tectonics. The ability of a planet to maintain internal heat is related to size.

Activity:
A. Directions: Compare Venus, Earth, and Mars through a Venn diagram using the information above.
Be guided by the questions below

EARTH VENUS

MARS

Questions:
1. In which category of planets do Venus, Earth, and Mars belong?
2. How is the mass and size of the Earth compared with the mass and size of Venus?
3. How do the rotational speed of Earth and Mars compared?
4. What is the composition of atmosphere of Venus and Mars?
5. What makes each planet differ from each other in terms of the following:
a. Gravity
b. Temperature if no greenhouse gases (GHG)
c. Rate of Revolution
d. Rate of Rotation
e. Orbital velocity

B. Directions: Briefly answer the following questions:

1. What causes the Earth’s magnetic field?
2. What are the factors that affect a planet’s temperature? (Give 2 factors)
3. What are the factors that make a planet habitable? (Give 3 factors)