Chapter 1: Problem 11
Describe the steps in the formation of the Solar System according to the nebular theory. (E)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The formation of the Solar System according to the nebular theory involves the following steps: 1) The initial state of the Solar Nebula, composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, collapses due to a disturbance like a supernova explosion. 2) Gravitational collapse and rotation cause the cloud to flatten into a disk shape. 3) A dense, hot protostar forms at the center of the disk and eventually becomes the Sun. 4) The remaining disk material forms the protoplanetary disk where particles begin to clump together and grow in size through accretion. 5) Over millions of years, collisions and accretions lead to the formation of planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies, while the remaining gas and dust are blown away by solar wind and radiation pressure.