AFOQT Practice Test

How many total planets in our solar system are classified as gas giants?

1. 2

2. 3

3. 4

4. 5

The correct answer is: 4

In our solar system, there are four planets classified as gas giants: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These planets are primarily made up of hydrogen and helium, and they possess thick atmospheres with no well-defined solid surfaces. Their large sizes and massive gas compositions distinguish them from terrestrial planets, which are smaller and composed mainly of rock and metal. Jupiter and Saturn are often referred to as "traditional" gas giants due to their massive sizes and the overall composition of their atmospheres. Uranus and Neptune are sometimes categorized as "ice giants" because, while they still have significant gaseous envelopes, they contain larger amounts of water, ammonia, and methane in their icy forms compared to Jupiter and Saturn. Therefore, the correct total of gas giant planets in our solar system is indeed four, making option C the right choice. The understanding of these classifications is important for grasping the diversity of planetary types within our solar system and the unique characteristics that define gas giants.