Overview of the Solar System Formation and Structure

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the formation and structure of the solar system.

Solar Nebula Model

The theory that the solar system formed from a large cloud of dust and gas called a nebula.

Gravitational Collapse

The process where the solar nebula collapses under its own gravity, leading to the formation of the solar system.

Protoplanetary Disk

A disk of gas and dust surrounding the hot core where planet formation occurs.

Accretion

The process of building larger bodies in the solar system through collisions of particles.

Terrestrial Planets

Rocky planets like Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, primarily composed of metals and silicates.

Jovian Planets

Gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn that are composed mainly of hydrogen and helium.

Differentiation

The process by which denser materials sink to the core of a planet during its formation.

Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs)

Objects in the solar system located beyond the orbit of Neptune.

Chemical Composition of the Sun

The Sun is composed of approximately 74% hydrogen, 24% helium, and 2% other elements.

Proton-Proton Fusion

The process in which hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium, releasing energy that powers the Sun.

Orbital Bodies

Various celestial objects within the solar system that can be influenced by gravitational forces.

Solar System Age

The solar system is approximately 4.6 billion years old.