The early phases of planetary formation into protoplanets were characterized by
A) slow accretion of small particles by gravitational attraction and collision.
B) condensation of hot gas clouds.
C) the shattering collision of very large objects into planet-sized fragments.
D) violent collapse and heating of gas and dust grains by gravity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The early phases of planetary formation involved the slow accretion of small particles and dust by gravitational attraction and collision, which gradually formed larger bodies known as protoplanets. This process was aided by the presence of a protoplanetary disk of gas and dust surrounding the young star. It is important to note that while there were likely some collisions and impacts involved in this process, they were not as violent or shattering as option C suggests. Option B refers to earlier stages of star formation, and option D refers to the later stages of protoplanet formation when heating and gravitational collapse became more intense.

The Early Phases of Planetary Formation into Protoplanets Were Characterized