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Chapter 1: Problem 10

What is the difference between a solar system and a galaxy?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A solar system is a gravitationally linked system revolving around a single star, including planets and other celestial bodies, whereas a galaxy is a gargantuan system held together by gravity and composed of billions of stars, planets, gas, dust, and dark matter. A solar system is much smaller, contained within a galaxy, which is much larger in comparison.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Solar System

A solar system is a gravitational system that consists of a star and all the celestial bodies that are influenced by its gravitational pull. This includes planets, asteroids, comets, and other objects. Our solar system, for example, links to the Sun and includes planets like Earth, Mars, Jupiter, among others.
02

Understanding Galaxy

A galaxy, on the other hand, is a massive system, containing billions of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, as well as gas, dust, and dark matter. All these constituents are bound together by gravitational forces. Our own galaxy, the Milky Way, is just one of billions in the universe.
03

Highlighting the Difference

The primary difference between a solar system and a galaxy lies in their composition and scale. A solar system revolves around a single star and its orbiting bodies, significantly smaller in comparison to a galaxy, which encompasses billions of stars and other celestial bodies bound by gravity.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The diameter of the Sun is \(1.4 \times 10^{11} \mathrm{~cm}\), and the distance to the nearest star, Proxima Centauri, is \(4.2 \mathrm{ly}\). Suppose you want to build an exact scale model of the Sun and Proxima Centauri, and you are using a ball \(30 \mathrm{~cm}\) in diameter to represent the Sun. In your scale model, how far away would Proxima Centauri be from the Sun? Give your answer in kilometers, using powers-of-ten notation.

At what distance would a person have to hold a European 2 euro coin (which has a diameter of about \(2.6 \mathrm{~cm}\) ) in order for the coin to subtend an angle of (a) \(1^{\circ}\) ? (b) 1 arcmin? (c) 1 arcsec? Give your answers in meters.

Scientists assume that "reality is rational." Discuss what this means and the thinking behind it.

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