The Solar System and Planetary Formation

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts about the solar system, planetary formation, asteroids, meteoroids, and their associated processes.

What are the two main types of planets in the Solar System?

Terrestrial and Jovian planets.

What is the average distance of Earth from the Sun in astronomical units (AU)?

1.0 AU.

What process leads to the formation of planets from smaller bodies?

Accretion.

What is the frost line in the context of planetary formation?

The distance in the solar nebula where hydrogen compounds can condense into ices.

What are the basic characteristics of terrestrial planets?

They are rocky, smaller, higher density, and closer to the Sun.

How are Jovian planets different from terrestrial planets?

They are gaseous, larger, lower density, and further from the Sun.

What is the role of conservation of angular momentum in the formation of the solar system?

It causes the gas cloud to spin faster as it collapses.

What happens when planetesimals collide?

They can break apart or grow larger by accreting smaller bodies.

What evidence supports the nebular hypothesis?

Observations of disks around other stars that resemble the solar nebula.

What is the significance of the solar wind during the formation of planets?

It helps clear out excess gas from the solar nebula.

How does radioactive decay contribute to the heat of the Earth's interior?

Radioactive decay of radionuclides generates heat in the Earth.

What are the three conditions necessary for a planet to have a magnetic field?

A liquid conductive core, convection in the core, and sufficient rotation.

What are chondrites?

Meteorites that contain chondrules, formed from molten droplets of material that condensed in space.

What is a meteorite?

A meteoroid that reaches the Earth's surface.

What are the potential consequences of meteoroid impacts on Earth?

They can cause craters, regional damage, or global extinction events.

What is planetary migration, and why is it significant?

The process by which the gravitational influence of smaller bodies can alter the orbits of large planets, potentially leading to collisions with inner planets.