Solar System Formation

Front

What is the solar nebula?

Back

A solar nebula is a large cloud of gas and dust in space from which the solar system formed.

Front

What is gravitational force?

Back

Gravitational force is the attraction between two masses, which causes objects to pull towards each other.

Front

What are planetesimals?

Back

Planetesimals are small celestial bodies that formed from dust and gas in the early solar system and eventually coalesced to form planets.

Front

What is the role of nuclear fusion in the Sun?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the Sun, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing energy.

Front

Which planet has the shortest orbit around the Sun?

Back

Mercury has the shortest orbit around the Sun.

Front

Why is Neptune considered to have the longest orbit?

Back

Neptune is farthest from the Sun, resulting in a longer orbital period compared to other planets.

Front

What evidence do astronomers use to study solar system formation?

Back

Astronomers observe other solar systems in the process of forming to understand how our solar system was created.

Front

What is the significance of Pluto's orbit?

Back

Pluto is no longer considered a planet because it does not have a clear orbit around the Sun.

Front

What is a protostellar disk?

Back

A protostellar disk is a rotating disk of dense gas and dust surrounding a newly formed star, where planets can form.

Front

What is the main difference between a planet and a dwarf planet?

Back

A planet has a clear orbit around the Sun, while a dwarf planet does not.