Final answer:
The most probable theory for the formation of the solar system is the condensation of a nebula of cold gas and dust into the Sun and planets, known as the nebular hypothesis. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most probable theory for the formation of the solar system is C) the condensation of a nebula of cold gas and dust into the Sun and planets. This theory is supported by the fact that meteorites, comets, and asteroids are remnants from the solar nebula that originally formed our solar system.
The nebula, a rotating cloud of vapor and dust with an initial composition similar to today's Sun, collapsed under its own gravity. This process concentrated material in the center, leading to the formation of the Sun, while condensing clumps of material in the outer parts formed the planets and other objects.
The collapse of the nebula happened rapidly, with planetesimals, or the building blocks of the planets, coalescing first. Over time, some of these gathered to form the planets and moons, while others remained as comets and asteroids.
The giant planets were able to attract and hold gas from the nebula, obtaining compositions similar to the Sun. After millions of years, the majority of debris was either incorporated into planets or ejected, leaving the solar system as we observe it today.
Observations of other stellar systems and circumstellar disks, as well as the study of solar system object compositions like the predominantly hydrogen-rich Jupiter and Saturn compared to the more icy and rocky Uranus and Neptune, corroborate this nebular hypothesis. The correct option is C.