The fact that some asteroids cluster in what are called asteroid families is probably the result of:
A) resonances with the jovian planets
B) collisions which broke up larger bodies into a number of smaller ones
C) comets which pass through the asteroid belt and attract asteroids to them
D) strong magnetic fields found in some asteroids
E) random chance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Collisions which broke up larger bodies into a number of smaller ones is the most widely accepted theory for the formation of asteroid families. This theory suggests that the asteroid belt was once populated by larger bodies, which collided and broke up into smaller fragments that we observe today. These fragments can sometimes share common orbits and form asteroid families. Resonances with the jovian planets and comets passing through the asteroid belt can also affect the orbits of asteroids, but they are not responsible for the formation of asteroid families. Strong magnetic fields found in some asteroids are not sufficient to form asteroid families. Random chance is also unlikely to be the sole reason for the clustering of asteroids into families.

The Fact That Some Asteroids Cluster in What Are Called