What physical principle is most responsible for galaxies forming disks?
A) the inverse square law
B) hydrostatic equilibrium
C) conservation of angular momentum
D) universal gravity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conservation of angular momentum is the physical principle most responsible for galaxies forming disks. As a cloud of gas collapses due to gravity, it begins to spin faster due to the conservation of angular momentum. This faster rotation causes the gas to flatten out into a disk shape perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Over time, the gas in the disk can cool and condense into stars, forming a spiral galaxy like our own Milky Way.

What Physical Principle Is Most Responsible for Galaxies Forming Disks