Question

What are two reasons why the terrestrial planets formed closer to the Sun after the supernova event that initiated the formation of the solar system? They are made of denser objects, which can condense at relatively high temperatures. They contain lightweight materials that condense in areas of relatively low radiation. They are made of heavier elements, which have a stronger gravitational attraction to the Sun. They are relatively small in size, so the Sun’s gravity has a strong influence on them. They have gaseous surfaces, which is ideal in those areas of high radiation near the Sun.

Answer 1

The correct answers are:

- They are made of denser objects, which can condense at relatively high temperatures;

- They are made of heavier elements, which have a stronger gravitational attraction to the Sun;

All the planets in the Solar system formed from the solar nebula. The conditions though were different for the formation of the planets. The gas giants were not able to form closer to the Sun because of the high temperatures, and those temperatures were not allowing the lighter mater to condensate. On the other hand, those same high temperatures enabled the heavier, denser materials to be able to condensate, thus giving rise to the terrestrial planets.