Density of Planets — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2002

Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to our solar system?

1. The Earth is the densest of all the planets in our solar system
2. The predominant element in the composition of Earth is silicon
3. The Sun contains 75 per cent of the mass of the solar system
4. The diameter of the Sun is 190 times that of the Earth

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• Earth is the densest planet in the solar system due to its metallic core and overall composition. Statement (b) is incorrect because iron is the most abundant element by mass in Earth as a whole. Statement (c) is incorrect because the Sun contains about 99.8% of the total mass of the solar system. Statement (d) is incorrect because the Sun’s diameter is about 109 times that of Earth, not 190 times.

Answer: (a) The Earth is the densest of all the planets in our solar system