The eight planets of the Solar System can be classified into two main categories based on their physical properties: terrestrial planets (also called rocky planets) and gas giants.
The first four planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, are rocky planets. Their common characteristics include:
1.Smaller size and mass
2.Higher density
3.Solid rocky crust
4.Resembling a rocky ball
These features qualify them as rocky planets. Because these characteristics are similar to Earth's, they are also referred to as terrestrial planets. Additionally, they share other traits, such as higher temperatures, no rings, and few or no moons.
The last four planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, are gas giants. Their common characteristics include:
5.Larger size and mass
6.Lower density
7.No solid rocky crust
8.Gaseous surface, resembling a giant balloon
These features qualify them as gas giants. Since Jupiter is the representative of this category, they are also known as Jovian planets. They share other traits as well, such as lower temperatures, rings, and numerous moons.
Note: Rocky planets are primarily composed of silicate rocks, also known as "rocky planets." Their main components and terrestrial planets are similar, but they differ significantly from gas giants. Gas giants may not have a solid surface and are primarily composed of hydrogen, helium, and water in various physical states.
