Formation of the Solar System Quiz

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What is the approximate age of the solar system according to the passage?

Less than 1 million years

1.3 percent of Earth's history

Billions of years

16 million years (correct)

What is the surface of the proto-planet described as?

Covered in lush forests and greenery

Frozen and devoid of any atmosphere

Lush and thriving with life

Blazing wasteland coated by oceans of magma (correct)

What is the main reason why most planetesimals are gone from Thea's surface?

Disintegrated due to extreme heat

Transformed into dust particles

Turned into mountain-sized planetesimals

Absorbed by other planets or ejected into space (correct)

What is the ultimate fate projected for Thea as mentioned in the text?

Not destined to win the planetary competition Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the surface of Earth when Armageddon returns?

It vaporizes Signup and view all the answers

What causes the Earth to stagger on its axis after the collision with Thayer?

Deep-seated fragments Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about Thayer's destruction compared to other upstarts?

It was the last impact Signup and view all the answers

Why are there no scars on the Moon from Thayer's impact?

Because this impact did not affect the Moon Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Earth over the next 150 years after Thayer's impact?

It forms a new moon Signup and view all the answers

Why is our Moon considered unique in its relation to Earth?

It has been around since the formation of Earth Signup and view all the answers

What event triggers the formation of Earth in the provided text?

Collision of two dust particles Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is described as 'static electricity instead sticking each piece to another'?

Electrostatic forces Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential fate of Earth if it does not grow quickly enough?

Absorbed by the Sun Signup and view all the answers

Which element plays a significant role in melting the interior of Earth according to the text?

$Aluminum-26$ Signup and view all the answers

What process is described as 'tortured into unstable monstrosities' in the text?

Radioactive decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for Earth's lucky survival among meteors in its early formation stage?

$Ne_2$ siphoning Signup and view all the answers

Which event signifies the beginning of accretion in the text?

$Chaos quiets down after a blazing impact Signup and view all the answers

'Chunks of planet splash into orbit' primarily refers to:

$Thea$ disintegrating into fragments Signup and view all the answers

'The disk of debris will soon form the Earth's eternal companion, the moon' implies:

$Thea$ contributes to moon formation Signup and view all the answers

'Chunks of planet splash into orbit as the Earth devours its last meal' implies that:

$Thea$ is destroyed during a collision with Earth Signup and view all the answers

'This disk of debris will soon form the Earth's eternal companion, the moon. This is Thea's gravestone.' implies that:

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What is the main point of the passage?

The battle for survival among planetesimals in the solar system. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when two equally matched combatants cross paths in the solar system's arena?

They catapult each other into new orbits. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jupiter impact the formation of the inner disk of the solar system?

By devouring or flinging planetesimals, altering their trajectories. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers