Previous Year Question
The atmosphere of Saturn contains which one of the following gas in large quantity?
Nitrogen
Carbon monoxide
Methane
Sulphur dioxide
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Among the given options, Methane (CH₄) is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere of Saturn. However, the dominant gases in Saturn's atmosphere are Hydrogen and Helium. Saturn is a Gas Giant Planet whose atmosphere contains relatively small amounts of methane, ammonia, and other gases.
Atmospheric composition of Saturn according to NASA:
Gas | Approximate percentage by volume |
Hydrogen (H₂) | 96.3% |
Helium (He) | 3.25% |
Methane (CH₄) | Approximately 0.45% |
These values are based on the atmospheric composition estimates provided in NASA's Saturn Fact Sheet. The methane concentration is approximately 4,500 ppm (Parts Per Million).
Option (a): Nitrogen (N₂) is not a major component of Saturn's atmosphere. However, Titan, Saturn's largest moon, has an atmosphere containing approximately 95% nitrogen. The atmospheric compositions of Saturn and its moon Titan are different.
Option (b): Carbon Monoxide (CO) is present in extremely small amounts in Saturn's atmosphere. Its concentration is much lower than that of methane.
Option (c): Methane (CH₄) is an important Trace Gas present in Saturn's atmosphere. It is a simple hydrocarbon composed of carbon and hydrogen. Studying methane in Saturn's atmosphere is useful for understanding the planet's chemical composition and atmospheric processes.
Option (d): Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) is not a major gas in Saturn's atmosphere. In contrast, active volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io release sulfur dioxide, which is a major component of its thin atmosphere.
Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second-largest planet in the Solar System after Jupiter. The predominance of hydrogen and helium in its atmosphere distinguishes it from terrestrial planets such as Earth.