33 Questions
What is the approximate age of the solar system according to the passage?
16 million years
What is the surface of the proto-planet described as?
Blazing wasteland coated by oceans of magma
What is the main reason why most planetesimals are gone from Thea's surface?
Absorbed by other planets or ejected into space
What is the ultimate fate projected for Thea as mentioned in the text?
Not destined to win the planetary competition
What happens to the surface of Earth when Armageddon returns?
It vaporizes
What causes the Earth to stagger on its axis after the collision with Thayer?
Deep-seated fragments
What is unique about Thayer's destruction compared to other upstarts?
It was the last impact
Why are there no scars on the Moon from Thayer's impact?
Because this impact did not affect the Moon
What happens to Earth over the next 150 years after Thayer's impact?
It forms a new moon
Why is our Moon considered unique in its relation to Earth?
It has been around since the formation of Earth
What event triggers the formation of Earth in the provided text?
Collision of two dust particles
What phenomenon is described as 'static electricity instead sticking each piece to another'?
Electrostatic forces
What is the potential fate of Earth if it does not grow quickly enough?
Absorbed by the Sun
Which element plays a significant role in melting the interior of Earth according to the text?
$Aluminum-26$
What process is described as 'tortured into unstable monstrosities' in the text?
Radioactive decay
What is the primary reason for Earth's lucky survival among meteors in its early formation stage?
$Ne_2$ siphoning
Which event signifies the beginning of accretion in the text?
$Chaos quiets down after a blazing impact
'Chunks of planet splash into orbit' primarily refers to:
$Thea$ disintegrating into fragments
'The disk of debris will soon form the Earth's eternal companion, the moon' implies:
$Thea$ contributes to moon formation
'Chunks of planet splash into orbit as the Earth devours its last meal' implies that:
$Thea$ is destroyed during a collision with Earth
'This disk of debris will soon form the Earth's eternal companion, the moon. This is Thea's gravestone.' implies that:
What is the main point of the passage?
The battle for survival among planetesimals in the solar system.
Why do the largest planetesimals grow exponentially in the arena described in the passage?
Because they consume and destroy smaller bodies drawn to them gravitationally.
What happens when two equally matched combatants cross paths in the solar system's arena?
They catapult each other into new orbits.
How does Jupiter impact the formation of the inner disk of the solar system?
By devouring or flinging planetesimals, altering their trajectories.
What is the outcome of gravitational combat between Jupiter and Saturn in the outer regions of the solar system?
They drag themselves back into the depths of the outer disk.
What fate awaits planetesimals ensnared by Jupiter as it advances from the outer regions towards Earth?
They are devoured or flung from the solar system by Jupiter.
In what way is Earth depicted in the passage amidst the chaotic battles of planetesimals?
As one of the champions carving out a zone of influence in a tense truce.
How are Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Earth described in terms of their formation within the solar system?
As contenders among many planetary embryos with uncertain futures.
What role do collisions between proto-planets play in shaping celestial bodies according to the text?
They lead to catastrophic impacts, altering proto-planets' compositions.
What significant role does Jupiter play during its interactions with planetesimals in the early solar system?
It influences and alters planetesimal trajectories through devouring or flinging them.
How does Saturn contribute to shaping the solar system's evolution based on its interactions with Jupiter?
It engages in gravitational combat with Jupiter, leading to their mutual collapse back into the outer disk.
What is suggested about Earth's position among its neighboring planets during its formation?
As a vulnerable survivor perched on the edge of battles between powerful celestial bodies.
Test your knowledge on the formation of the solar system and the battle for survival between planetesimals. Learn about how bodies in the solar system interact and compete for a place in the system.
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