What is the Jeans instability?
A) When a growing protoplanet becomes too large, it is more likely to be split apart by subsequent bombardment than to grow further.
B) If a solar nebula is too massive it will continue to collapse to become a black hole and will not form planets.
C) If the disk of matter surrounding a solar nebula becomes too hot, it will dissipate, and planets will not form.
D) If a cloud of gas and dust is sufficiently dense, it will collapse due to its own gravity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Jeans instability refers to a condition in which a cloud of gas and dust becomes sufficiently dense that it begins to collapse under its own gravitational force, potentially leading to the formation of stars and planetary systems.

What Is the Jeans Instability