Question

How is gas distributed in interstellar space?

A) in clumps, concentrated in interstellar clouds
B) concentrated in narrow riverlike streams of gas that extend across the Galaxy
C) uniformly distributed through space
D) concentrated around existing stars because of the stars' gravitational pull

Answer 1

Gas in interstellar space is concentrated in clumps called interstellar clouds, with the majority being atomic hydrogen. Molecular clouds, though occupying a smaller volume, contribute significantly to the total mass of gas between the stars.

Step-by-step explanation:

In interstellar space, gas is concentrated in clumps, specifically in interstellar clouds. These clouds are regions where gas and dust collect, and they can range in size from a few light-years to hundreds of light-years across. The majority of the gas in interstellar space is atomic hydrogen, while molecular clouds, which are denser, occupy a smaller volume but contribute significantly to the total mass of gas between the stars.