Nebular Theory Lesson 1.3
11 Questions
3 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the Nebular Theory?

The Nebular Theory states that the solar system originated from a nebula, which is a giant cloud of gas and dust in space.

What elements are primarily found in a nebula?

  • Oxygen
  • Carbon
  • Helium (correct)
  • Hydrogen (correct)
  • What are the three major steps in the formation of the solar system?

    1. Cloud collapse, 2. Formation of protoplanetary disk, 3. Growth of planets.

    What causes a cloud collapse in the nebular theory?

    <p>A shockwave from a supernova or the effect of a passing star can cause a cloud collapse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why could terrestrial planets form near the sun?

    <p>They contain metals and silicates with higher boiling points.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In step 3 of the solar system formation, dust and grains surrounding the sun formed into __________.

    <p>planetesimals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Nebular Theory states that Saturn's particles attract each other.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Encounter Theory?

    <p>The Encounter Theory proposes that planets were formed from material ejected from the sun during an encounter with another celestial object.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Planetesimal Theory propose?

    <p>It proposes that a passing star caused the protosun to eject materials that condensed into planetesimals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was a proponent of the Planetesimal Theory?

    <p>Thomas Chrowder Chamberlin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Tidal Theory explain?

    <p>It explains that the solar system formed as a result of a near collision between a passing star and the sun.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Nebular Theory

    • Solar system formation began from a nebula approximately 4.5 billion years ago.
    • A nebula is a vast cloud of gas and dust primarily composed of hydrogen, helium, and other ionized gases.

    Major Steps in Solar System Formation

    • Formation occurs in three main stages:
      • Cloud collapse
      • Formation of a protoplanetary disk
      • Growth of planets

    Step 1: Cloud Collapse

    • Shockwaves from supernova events or nearby stars can trigger cloud collapse.
    • Gravity causes the center of the gas and dust cloud to collapse, resulting in faster rotation.

    Step 2: Formation of Protoplanetary Disk

    • Metals and silicates near the young sun lead to the creation of terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars).
    • Limited metallic reserves in the solar nebula restrict the size growth of these planets.

    Step 3: Growth of Planets

    • Dust and grains surrounding the sun coalesce into clumps, forming planetesimals.
    • Planetesimals are small bodies that collide and fuse to create planets.

    Proponents of the Nebular Theory

    • Key figures include Emmanuel Swedenborg, Immanuel Kant, and Pierre-Simon Laplace, recognized for their contributions to the theory.

    Drawbacks of the Nebular Theory

    • Observations of particles around Saturn show repulsion, challenging the idea that dust particles easily form planets.
    • The model does not comply with angular momentum laws, suggesting the sun should spin faster than other celestial bodies.

    Encounter Theory

    • Proposes planets formed from materials ejected from the sun after a close encounter with another celestial object like a star.
    • Involves two variations: planetesimal theory and tidal theory.

    Planetesimal Theory

    • Introduced by Thomas Chrowder Chamberlin, suggesting a near-collision with an intruding star caused the protosun to eject materials that condensed into planetesimals.
    • Forest Ray Moulton provided mathematical support for Chamberlin's concepts.

    Tidal Theory

    • Suggests solar system formation resulted from a close encounter between a passing star and the sun.
    • Proposes that hot gas from the star condensed into planets rather than merging into other formations.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Description

    Explore the Nebular Theory, which explains the origin of the solar system from a giant cloud of gas and dust known as a nebula. This lesson delves into the formation of the solar system approximately 4.5 billion years ago and the components that make up a nebula.

    More Like This

    Solar System Formation Quiz
    10 questions
    Nebular Theory of Solar System Formation
    13 questions
    Nebular Theory and Planet Formation
    13 questions
    Nebular Theory Overview
    25 questions

    Nebular Theory Overview

    LaudableDiscernment avatar
    LaudableDiscernment
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser