Question

How do inner planets differ from outer planets?

Answer 1

Hint: Inner planets are smaller, solid and have few moons. On the other hand, outer planets are larger, gaseous and have multiple moons. They also have rings around them.

Complete answer: Planets in our solar system can be divided into two groups on the basis of their composition. The first four planets are inner planets and the last four planets are outer planets.
Inner planets are close to the sun. They are smaller and rockier. They are called 'terrestrial planets'. This is because they have a solid rocky surface. These planets have low mass and high density. They have either no moon or few moons. For example, Mercury and Venus have no moon. Earth has one moon. Mars has two tiny moons. These planets have no rings. They take a shorter time to complete one revolution. There are four inner planets. These are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.
Outer planets are far away from the sun. They are larger and gaseous. These planets are called 'giant planets'. They are made of materials that have low boiling point, for example, gases and ices. These planets have high mass and low density. They have many moons. These planets also have rings. For example, Saturn has seven rings. They take a longer time to complete one revolution. There are four outer planets. These are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Note: The inner planets have slower orbits, slower spin, and have no rings. They are made up of rock and metal. On the other hand, the outer planets have faster orbits and spins. They are made up of hydrogen and helium and thus are called gas giants.