Question

Planet’s atmosphere is made up of different gases. On which of the following planets methane gas is found in large amounts?
(A) Jupiter
(B) Saturn
(C) Uranus
(D) Mercury

Answer 1

Hint: The layer of gases that surround the planet is known as the planet’s atmosphere. The planets that are composed of the main gases in our solar system are known as ‘gas giants’. There are four gas giant planets in our solar system- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. The Mercury planet does not contain any kind of atmosphere.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The Atmosphere consists of many gases that surround it. There are various planets in our solar system and each of them contains a different atmosphere. The atmosphere of the earth allows different organisms to live on it. The ozone layer that surrounds the atmosphere protects us from ultraviolet radiation.
Methane gas is capable of absorbing more heat which results in climate change. Methane gas causes global warming which is harmful to live beings and is produced by various human activities.
The largest planet in our solar system is known to be Jupiter. The radius of Jupiter is 11 times more than the radius of the earth. Jupiter mainly consists of hydrogen and helium. So, methane is not present in its atmosphere.
Saturn also has a size larger than the earth which is almost 9 times. It also mainly consists of hydrogen and helium. Jupiter and Saturn have an almost similar atmosphere.
Uranus is almost 4 times greater than the size of the earth. The atmosphere of Uranus planet is made up of mainly hydrogen, helium, and methane
The shortest planet in our solar system is known to be Mercury. It is the planet that is closest to the earth and it is the hottest in our solar system. Instead of the atmosphere, Mercury planet contains an exosphere that is made up of hydrogen, helium, oxygen, sodium, and potassium.
Jupiter consists of methane. Saturn consists of methane. Uranus consists of methane and Mercury has no atmosphere at all. So Uranus is the planet in our solar system which consists of a large amount of methane.

So, the correct answer is “Option c”.

Note: Planets have more methane at the equator as compared to poles. The blue color of Neptune planet is due to the methane present in its atmosphere. As methane absorbs red light only and it reflects blue colour. So planet Neptune is blue. Uranus is also known as the ‘ice giant’ planet and it is the coldest planet in our solar system.