Question

The atmosphere of Mars is \(96 \% \mathrm{CO}_{2},\) with a pressure of approximately \(6 \times 10^{-3}\) atm at the surface. Based on measurements taken over a period of several years by the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS), the average daytime temperature at the REMS location on Mars is \(-5.7^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\left(22^{\circ} \mathrm{F}\right),\) while the average nighttime temperature is \(-79^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\left(-109^{\circ} \mathrm{F}\right) .\) This daily variation in temperature is much larger than what we experience on Earth. What factor plays the largest role in this wide temperature variation, the composition or the density of the atmosphere?

Short answer

The density of Mars' atmosphere plays the largest role in the wide temperature variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Although Mars' atmosphere is composed of 96% CO2, a greenhouse gas that can trap heat, the lower density of the atmosphere makes it less capable of trapping and retaining heat. This results in a significant drop in nighttime temperatures.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the role of the composition of Mars' atmosphere

The atmosphere of Mars consists of 96% CO2. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, which means it has the ability to trap heat. A higher concentration of CO2 in any atmosphere plays a significant role in keeping the planet warm. We can keep in mind that Earth has a much lower concentration of CO2 in its atmosphere (less than 1%), and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the average temperature of the planet. Thus, it is understood that the composition could have a considerable influence on the temperature variation.

Understanding the role of the density of Mars' atmosphere

Surface pressure can be a property that can give some understanding of the density of Mars' atmosphere. Mars has a surface pressure of about 6 x 10^{-3} atm, which is much lower than Earth's atmosphere. A lower surface pressure generally reflects a less dense atmosphere. A denser atmosphere has a higher capacity of trapping heat, which means that lesser density in Mars' atmosphere will make it much less effective in trapping heat. As a result, the atmosphere cannot hold the heat as efficiently as a denser atmosphere like Earth's.

Comparing the effects of composition and density of the atmosphere

The composition of Mars' atmosphere, with 96% CO2, should in theory contribute to keeping the planet warm due to its greenhouse gas properties. However, the density of the Mars' atmosphere is a crucial factor to consider. The lower density means that the atmosphere is less capable of trapping and retaining heat.

Determining the main factor causing temperature variations

Based on the comparison discussed in Step 3, we can conclude that the density of the atmosphere at Mars' surface plays a larger role in the wide temperature variation between day and night. The lower density of Mars' atmosphere is less effective in trapping heat, and hence, is responsible for the significant drop in nighttime temperature. Therefore, it is the density of Mars' atmosphere that plays the largest role in the wide temperature variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures.

Key concepts

CO2 on Mars

Mars' atmosphere is dominated by carbon dioxide, making up 96% of its composition. This greenhouse gas is known for its ability to trap heat, contributing to warming effects on a planet. On Earth, CO2 is less than 1% of the atmosphere yet plays a crucial role in maintaining temperatures. So, you'd think that with such a high percentage on Mars, it would have a significant warming effect.
However, the situation on Mars is quite different than on Earth. Despite the high CO2 concentration, the overall atmosphere's ability to retain heat is impacted by other factors, like its density. This means while the CO2 presence is significant, other factors might play larger roles in temperature regulation.

Atmospheric Pressure on Mars

Mars has a remarkably low atmospheric pressure compared to Earth. At only about 0.6% of Earth's atmospheric pressure, Mars' atmosphere is extremely thin. This low pressure reflects the low density of the atmosphere, meaning there's less gas to trap heat.
This density and pressure largely influence Mars' climate. A less dense atmosphere can't hold heat effectively, which is why Mars experiences such broad temperature swings between day and night.
In comparison, Earth's atmosphere is much denser and better at retaining heat, contributing to milder daily temperature changes.

Temperature Variations on Mars

Temperature variations on Mars are extreme, with daytime temperatures averaging -5.7°C (22°F) and nighttime temperatures plummeting to -79°C (-109°F). This large difference is vastly different from the smaller daily variations we experience on Earth.
The main reason for these fluctuations isn't the composition of the Martian atmosphere, but its density. With such a thin atmosphere, Mars can't retain heat overnight.
This results in rapid cooling once the sun sets. The density factor is crucial, as a denser atmosphere would be able to trap more heat and moderate temperatures between day and night.