The cause for a molecular cloud forming fragments when it collapses is indicated correctly by option D. density variations from place to place grow larger as the cloud collapses.
Molecular cloud:
A molecular cloud, also known as a stellar nursery, is a specific kind of interstellar cloud, whose density and size allow the development of molecules, absorption nebulae, and H II regions. In contrast, some regions of the interstellar medium mostly consist of ionized gas.
Molecular clouds are cold, dense areas of space where stars form. The cloud collapses into a proto-star when the gravitational force pulling it in outweighs the internal pressure pushing it in.
When a molecular cloud collapses, it is observed that the density varies from place to place with the variation increasing with collapse. As a result, the collapse is characterized by fragmentation of the cloud.
Thus the correct option is: D. density variations from place to place grow larger as the cloud collapses.
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