Question

What does the energy from collisions do to the young planet?

A. It forms the planet's core.
B. It generates heat, contributing to the planet's internal processes.
C. It creates a magnetic field.
D. It results in the planet's expansion.

Answer 1

The energy from collisions contributes to the internal heat of a young planet, affecting its evolution and internal processes, such as driving tectonic activity and potentially aiding in the generation of a magnetic field.

Step-by-step explanation:

The energy from collisions during the formative stages of a young planet primarily generates heat, contributing to the planet's internal processes. This is because as material collapses onto the forming planet, its internal heat sources increase, especially for giant planets that were significantly heated during their formation, and may continue to be heated through processes such as contraction.

Moreover, the decay of radioactive nuclei inside a planet's interior is also a significant source of internal energy, which contributes to the planet's internal heat budget. This heat can affect the planet's evolution in various ways, including driving volcanic activity, tectonics, and contributing to the generation of a magnetic field through the motion of conductive materials in its core.