Describe the steps in the formation of solar system
Complete this outline summarizing information in Unit 33.2 to 33.5 Turn this completed outline in
with your exam for 10 point extra credit. Each lettered subsection corresponds to one paragraph in the
text. Summarize the important information in each of the paragraphs. Type up the entries. I have made
the first entries in each step to illustrate the process.
Name__________________________
Steps in the formation of solar system
1) Birth of the Solar System
A) According to the Solar Nebula Theory, the solar system originated from a rotating disk-shaped
cloud of gas and dust, with the outer part of the disk becoming the planets and the center
becoming the Sun which explains the flattened shape of our solar system and the common
direction of motion of planets around the Sun.
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2) From Dust Grains to Planetesimals
A) Condensation (the formation of solids from a cooling gas) of a particular material from a gas
mixture can occur only if the gas cools below a critical temperature for that material. For
example, iron and silicate rocks will condense from a gas only if the temperature is below 1400
K.
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3) Formation of the Planets
A) As planetesimals grew, their masses became large enough that they developed significant
gravitational attraction, pulling matter into them more rapidly.
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4) Late-stage Bombardment
A) As planetesimals struck the growing planets, their impacts heated them, converting energy of
motion into heat energy.
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