Terrestrial vs Jovian planets
The planets in the solar system are divided into terrestrial and jovian planets. They are different in their position, composition and other features.
First of all, let us see what are the jovian and the terrestrial planets. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are the jovian planets. Mercury, Venus and Earth are the terrestrial planets.
One of the main differences that can be seen between terrestrial and jovian planets, is their surfaces. While the terrestrial planets are made of solid surfaces, the jovian planets are made of gaseous surfaces.
Well, the jovian planets are less dense when compared to the terrestrial planets, because they are mainly composed of hydrogen gas. Moreover, the core of the jovian planets is more dense than the terrestrial planets.
When talking of the distance from the sun, the terrestrial planets are closer to the sun and the jovian planets are farther. When considering the size, the jovian planets are much larger than the terrestrial planets. While the atmosphere of terrestrial planets is composed mainly of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases, hydrogen and helium gases are found in abundance in the atmosphere of jovian planets.
Comparing the moons, the jovian planets have more moons than the terrestrial planets. Moreover, the jovian planets tend to have rings around them, which are not seen in terrestrial planets.
While the terrestrial planets spin less, the jovian planets spin more, and due to this fact, the terrestrial planets tend to be less flattened at the poles.
The terrestrial planets were much hotter when they were formed, and they cooled with time. The terrestrial planets were hit by meteorites during the early times, which made them so hot. This is why Earth and Venus have very hot interiors when compared to other planets.
Summary
1. While the terrestrial planets are made of solid surfaces, the jovian planets are made of gaseous surfaces.
2. When comparing the size, the jovian planets are much larger than the terrestrial planets.
3. While the atmosphere of terrestrial planets is composed mainly of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, hydrogen and helium are found in abundance in the atmosphere of jovian planets.
4. The core of the jovian planets is more dense than the terrestrial planets.
5. The jovian planets are far away from the sun.
6. The terrestrial planets spin less, and are therefore less flattened at the poles.
7. The jovian planets have more moons when compared to terrestrial ones.