Planetesimal Hypothesis Overview

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

According to the planetesimal hypothesis, what caused the formation of the planets in our solar system?

  • The planets formed from the remnants of a supernova explosion.
  • A collision between the Sun and another star ejected material that formed planets. (correct)
  • A massive cloud of gas and dust collapsed under its own gravity, forming the Sun and planets.
  • The Sun's gravitational pull drew in surrounding gas and dust.

What was the primary objection to the planetesimal hypothesis?

  • The hypothesis did not explain why the planets orbit the Sun in the same direction.
  • There was no evidence of a nearby star that could have caused the collision. (correct)
  • The hypothesis did not explain why the planets are all spherical.
  • The hypothesis could not account for the presence of asteroids and comets.

How did the planetesimal hypothesis explain the formation of the terrestrial planets?

  • Terrestrial planets formed from the remnants of a supernova explosion.
  • Terrestrial planets formed from gas and dust that condensed around the Sun's core.
  • Terrestrial planets formed from collisions of planetesimals in the outer solar system.
  • Terrestrial planets formed from material ejected from the Sun's far side, which was thrown less forcefully. (correct)

What are 'planetesimals' according to the planetesimal hypothesis?

<p>Small, solid particles that eventually formed the planets. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary weakness of the planetesimal hypothesis in explaining the formation of the solar system?

<p>It did not account for the differences in size and composition of the planets. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Planetesimal Hypothesis

Hypothesis suggesting planets formed from a collision between the Sun and another star.

Origin of Planets

Planets formed from gravitational ejections of material from the Sun due to the passing star's gravity.

Planetesimals

Solid particles that condensed from hot gas and formed the cores of planets.

Objections to Hypothesis

Critiques include inability to explain the need for a massive star and the number of planets formed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Formation Distances

Gravitationally ejected materials vary in distance based on their position relative to the Sun during the collision.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Planetesimal Hypothesis

  • Proposed by Thomas Chamberlin and Forest Moulton in 1895
  • This hypothesis suggests that the Solar System's planets formed from a collision between the Sun and another star.
  • The passing star's gravity caused material to be ejected from the Sun's surface.
  • Material ejected from the Sun's near side was thrown farther out into space, similar to the distance of the outer planets.
  • Material ejected from the Sun's far side was ejected less forcefully, similar to the distance of the inner planets, or terrestrial planets.
  • This ejected material cooled and condensed into solid particles called planetesimals.
  • The planetesimals then gradually grew into planets by accumulating and colliding.
  • The cores of the planets originated from the inner material ejected from the collision.
  • The outer areas of the planets formed from a massive swarm of particles spread outward in a disc-like structure.
  • The majority of planet formation occurred in areas where material was more plentiful.
  • Smaller, ejected materials were composed of hot gas, which condensed into liquids then cooled into solid particles.

Objections to the Planetesimal Hypothesis

  • This theory couldn't explain the massive passing star's proximity to the Sun.
  • The alignment of stars in space made the movement between them improbable.
  • The theory couldn't account for only nine planets forming, nor explain the differences in planet sizes.

Studying That Suits You

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

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Planetesimal Hypothesis PDF

More Like This

Planetesimal Theory Overview
24 questions
Earth Science Chapter 27 Review
38 questions
Earth: Facts and Formation
6 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser