Question

What is the frost line of the solar system?

a.the distance from the Sun where temperatures were low enough for metals to condense, between the Sun and the present day orbit of Mercury
b.the distance from the Sun where temperatures were low enough for rocks to condense, between the present day orbits of Mercury and Venus
c.the distance from the Sun where temperatures were low enough for hydrogen compounds to condense into ices, between the present day orbits of Mars and Jupiter
d.the distance from the Sun where temperatures were low enough for asteroids to form between the present day orbits of Venus and Earth
e.the distance from the Sun where temperatures were low enough for hydrogen and helium to condense between the planets of Jupiter and Saturn

Answer 1

The frost line of the solar system is the distance from the Sun, between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, where temperatures were low enough for hydrogen compounds to form ice.

Step-by-step explanation:

The frost line of the solar system is defined as the distance from the Sun where temperatures are low enough for hydrogen compounds to condense into ice. Based on the options provided, the accurate definition would be option c: the distance from the Sun where temperatures were low enough for hydrogen compounds to condense into ice, between the present-day orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This frost line marks the boundary between the warmer inner solar system, where metals and rocks could condense, and the cooler outer regions where volatiles like water could freeze into ice, giving rise to the gas giants and their icy moons.