Which planet in the Solar System possesses the lowest mean density, so low that it is less dense than liquid water?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Saturn
- Step 1: Saturn is a gas giant composed primarily of hydrogen (96%) and helium (3%) with a small rocky core.
- Step 2: Its mean density is approximately 0.687 grams per cubic centimeter, which is less than the density of pure water (1.0 g/cm^3), meaning it would theoretically float in a sufficiently vast ocean.
Answer
Saturn
Why not the others: 'Uranus' Uranus has a mean density of about 1.27 g/cm^3, higher than water; 'Jupiter' Jupiter has a mean density of about 1.33 g/cm^3, denser than water; 'Neptune' Neptune is the densest gas/ice giant with a mean density of about 1.64 g/cm^3.
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