Answer:
Newton's law of gravitation describes how objects with mass attract each other due to gravity. When considering how this law affects particles in a nebula coming together to form stars and other celestial bodies, you can examine the effects of distance and density on the gravitational forces involved:
1. **Distance:** According to Newton's law of gravitation, the force of gravity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between two objects. In the context of a nebula, this means that particles that are closer together will experience a stronger gravitational attraction. As particles in a nebula move closer to each other, the gravitational force between them increases. This is a crucial factor in the process of star formation. When particles in a nebula come close enough, their mutual gravitational attraction can overcome other forces (like gas pressure and thermal energy) that might try to push them apart. As a result, these particles begin to collapse and come together more closely, forming a protostar.
2. **Density:** The density of a nebula affects how particles come together. A denser nebula has more particles in a given volume, and therefore, there are more opportunities for gravitational attraction between particles. Higher-density regions in a nebula are more likely to initiate the process of star formation because there are more chances for particles to come close enough for gravity to take over and cause the collapse. Denser regions are more likely to have the conditions necessary for stars to form.
In summary, distance and density both play essential roles in the process of particles within a nebula coming together to form stars and other celestial bodies. As particles come closer due to gravitational attraction, their density increases, and this process can lead to the formation of stars and other astronomical objects within the nebula.