Astronomy Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Preparation Guide

Jupiter's rapid rotation can primarily be attributed to its size and mass. As the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter has a significant amount of angular momentum due to its vast size. When the planet formed, it began rotating, and because of the conservation of angular momentum, its rotation speed increased as it condensed from a cloud of gas and dust. The immense mass of Jupiter means that it has a greater gravitational force, which influences its rotational dynamics. Additionally, larger celestial bodies tend to have faster rotation speeds due to their initial conditions and the physics of accretion during formation.

The other options do not play a significant role in determining the rotation speed. Proximity to the Sun does not directly affect Jupiter's rotation, as gravitational forces from the Sun impact all planets equally in terms of their orbits rather than their rotational speeds. High temperatures in the core do not contribute to its rotation speed; they are more relevant to thermal processes within the planet. Lastly, while its rings and moons have some gravitational interactions with Jupiter, they do not significantly influence its rotation compared to the fundamental aspects of its mass and size.