Describe the differences in the chemical makeup of the inner and outer parts of the solar system. What is the relationship between what the planets are made of and the temperature where they formed?

The chemical makeup of the inner and outer parts of the solar system is quite different due to the varying temperatures and distances from the sun.

1. Inner Solar System: The inner solar system, also known as the terrestrial planets, includes Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. These planets are primarily composed of rock and metal due to the high temperatures close to the sun. This high temperature made it difficult for lighter elements like hydrogen and helium, or volatile compounds like water, ammonia, and methane, to condense into solid bodies. Therefore, the inner planets are dense with a solid crust and have very few gases.

2. Outer Solar System: The outer solar system, also known as the gas giants or Jovian planets, includes Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These planets are primarily composed of lighter elements such as hydrogen and helium, and volatile compounds. The lower temperatures in the outer solar system allowed these gases to condense and form the massive gas giants. These planets have a small rocky core surrounded by large amounts of gases and ices.

The relationship between what the planets are made of and the temperature where they formed is quite direct. In the hotter inner solar system, only heavy elements could condense into solid bodies, forming rocky, terrestrial planets. In contrast, in the cooler outer solar system, lighter elements and volatile compounds could condense, leading to the formation of gas giants.