PLANET FORMATION & EVOLUTION Flashcards
By the end of the quiz, learners will understand how planets are formed from dust and gas in space and identify the process of planetary evolution, including changes over time. (15 cards)
What is the primary material that forms planets?
Dust and gas in space.
True or False: Planets form only from solid materials.
False.
Fill in the blank: The process of _______ involves the accumulation of dust and gas to form larger bodies.
accretion.
What is the term for the early stage of a planet’s formation where small particles collide and stick together?
Planetesimal formation.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a phase in planetary formation? A) Accretion B) Differentiation C) Erosion D) Planetary migration
C) Erosion.
What role does gravity play in the formation of planets?
Gravity helps attract dust and gas, facilitating their accumulation into larger bodies.
True or False: The process of forming a planet can take millions of years.
True.
What is a protoplanetary disk?
A rotating disk of dense gas and dust surrounding a young star, where planets form.
Fill in the blank: After accretion, the next phase is ________, where a planet’s interior differentiates into layers.
differentiation.
What is the significance of the ‘frost line’ in planetary formation?
It determines where ice can condense in the protoplanetary disk, affecting planet composition.
Multiple Choice: Which type of planet is typically formed beyond the frost line? A) Terrestrial B) Gas giant C) Dwarf planet D) Rocky planet
B) Gas giant.
What is the final stage of planet formation called?
Planetary accretion.
True or False: All planets in a solar system form at the same time.
False.
What is the main difference between terrestrial planets and gas giants?
Terrestrial planets are rocky and smaller, while gas giants are larger and composed mainly of gases.
What is ‘planetary migration’?
The process where a planet changes its orbit due to gravitational interactions.
