MCQ Detailed View

In our Solar System, the term ice giants refers specifically to the planets Uranus and Neptune. These two planets are located in the outer region, far away from the Sun, and are different from the gas giants, Jupiter and Saturn, because of their unique composition.

Unlike gas giants, which are mostly made up of light gases such as hydrogen and helium, ice giants have a higher proportion of icy materials, including water, ammonia, and methane. These compounds formed in frozen conditions when the planets developed billions of years ago. This mixture of gases and icy substances gives Uranus and Neptune their distinct physical characteristics.

Both planets have thick atmospheres dominated by hydrogen, helium, and methane. Methane gas absorbs red light and reflects blue light, which is why Uranus and Neptune appear blue or bluish-green when observed from space. Beneath their atmospheres, they contain dense layers of icy fluids and rocky cores.

Key facts about ice giants:

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  They are outer planets, located beyond Saturn.

  
  


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  They are composed mainly of water, ammonia, and methane ices.

  
  


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  They are smaller but denser than Jupiter and Saturn.

  
  


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  Their blue color is caused by methane absorption of red light.

  
  

Scientists study ice giants to understand how planets form in colder regions of space. Observing Uranus and Neptune also helps astronomers learn about exoplanets, as many distant planets discovered around other stars have similar characteristics.

Thus, the correct answer to this question is: Outer planets (Uranus and Neptune).