4.1 Solar System Formation

What is the Nebular Hypothesis and how does it explain the formation of the solar system?

• The Nebular Hypothesis claims that the solar system was created by a series of large asteroid impacts.

• The Nebular Hypothesis explains the formation of the solar system as a process where a rotating cloud of gas and dust collapsed to form the Sun and planets.

• The Nebular Hypothesis suggests that the solar system originated from a single massive star explosion.

• The Nebular Hypothesis states that the solar system formed from a solid planet that broke apart.

How does gravity play a role in the formation of celestial bodies?

• Gravity only affects large objects like planets.

• Gravity has no impact on the formation of stars.

• Gravity is solely responsible for the color of celestial bodies.

• Gravity plays a crucial role in attracting matter, leading to the formation and growth of celestial bodies.

What is the process of accretion of matter in the context of planet formation?

• Accretion of matter is the method by which planets are destroyed by external forces.

• Accretion of matter refers to the gravitational pull of a star on nearby planets.

• Accretion of matter is the process of planets colliding and breaking apart.

• Accretion of matter is the process by which dust and gas in a protoplanetary disk coalesce to form planets.

Compare and contrast the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system.

• The geocentric model is based on the Sun's position.

• Both models agree that planets orbit around the Earth.

• The heliocentric model suggests that Earth is the center of the universe.

• The geocentric model centers on the Earth, while the heliocentric model centers on the Sun.

How does the density of a planet relate to its volume?

• Density is inversely related to volume when mass is constant.

• Density is unrelated to volume and mass.

• Density is directly proportional to volume regardless of mass.

• Density increases with volume when mass is constant.

What are the primary compositions of the terrestrial planets?

• Gas and ice

• Rock and metal

• Liquid and plasma

• Organic compounds and gases

What are the primary compositions of the gas giants in our solar system?

• Silicon and sulfur, predominantly.

• Carbon dioxide and methane, mainly.

• Oxygen and nitrogen, primarily.

• Hydrogen and helium, with traces of other gases and ices.

How does the distance from the sun affect the characteristics of the planets?

• The distance from the sun determines a planet's rotation speed.

• Closer planets have more moons due to their proximity to the sun.

• The distance from the sun affects a planet's size and mass.

• The distance from the sun determines a planet's temperature, atmospheric composition, and surface characteristics.

What evidence supports the Nebular Hypothesis?

• Presence of dark matter in galaxies

• Existence of black holes in the universe

• Evidence supporting the Nebular Hypothesis includes protoplanetary disks, angular momentum distribution, isotopic similarities in meteorites, and physical laws of celestial formation.

• Formation of stars in isolation

How do the orbits of planets differ in the heliocentric model compared to the geocentric model?

• In the heliocentric model, planets orbit the Sun; in the geocentric model, they orbit the Earth.

• In the heliocentric model, planets orbit in elliptical paths around the Earth.

• In the heliocentric model, planets orbit the Earth; in the geocentric model, they orbit the Sun.

• Both models have planets orbiting the Earth in circular paths.