Which of the following observed characteristics of the solar system is the solar nebula theory able to explain?
A)common direction of rotation of the planets
B)number of satellites of each planet
C)the formation of hydrogen atoms in the solar system from subatomic particles
D)number of planets of each type

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The solar nebula theory can explain the common direction of rotation of the planets as it suggests that the protoplanetary disk from which they formed was rotating in a particular direction.

Answer: B
 The solar nebula theory can explain the number of satellites of each planet as it suggests that the moons formed from leftover material in the protoplanetary disk that eventually clumped together.

Answer: C
 The solar nebula theory cannot explain the formation of hydrogen atoms in the solar system from subatomic particles as this is a phenomenon that occurs via nuclear fusion in stars.

Answer: D
 The solar nebula theory cannot explain the number of planets of each type as this is largely determined by the location of the planet in the protoplanetary disk and the amount of material available for it to accrete.

Which of the Following Observed Characteristics of the Solar System