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Which Is the Densest Planet in the Solar System?

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Quick Answer

Earth is the densest planet in the solar system, with an average density of about 5.51 grams per cubic centimetre.

The Full Story

Earth's high density comes largely from its iron-nickel core, which has a radius of about 3,485 kilometres. Its average density of 5.51 grams per cubic centimetre is just ahead of Mercury at about 5.43. Mercury has a proportionally larger iron core, but Earth's greater mass compresses its interior more tightly. At the other extreme, Saturn has an average density of only about 0.69 grams per cubic centimetre, less than water. The rocky planets are much denser than the gas and ice giants.

Key Facts

1.Earth's inner core is solid iron and nickel despite temperatures around 5,000 °C.
2.Water has a density of 1 gram per cubic centimetre.
3.Jupiter is the most massive planet but has a density of only about 1.33.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"Why Earth beats Jupiter in one surprising planetary record."

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