Formation of the Solar System and Celestial Mechanics

Vocabulary flashcards covering the formation of the solar system, gravity, planetary characteristics, and elemental abundances based on the provided lecture transcript.

Gravitational Attraction

The phenomenon where gravity causes matter to move toward other matter, based on the principle that mass attracts mass.

Conservation of Angular Momentum

The principle stating that angular momentum is conserved as material rotates about a center of mass, causing matter to rotate faster as it condenses and leading to the formation of planets.

Inner Planets

The four rocky planets located in the inner region of our solar system.

Outer Planets

The gaseous planets located in the outer region of our solar system.

Asteroid Belt

The region located in between the four inner rocky planets and the outer gaseous planets.

Comet

A celestial object described as a "dirty snowball".

Hydrogen

The most common element in the solar system.

Spectroscopy

The technique used to determine the elemental abundance of the solar system.