Final answer:
The most supported hypothesis for the formation of Saturn's rings is that they are likely the result of protoplanets colliding and breaking into pieces. The correct answer is option B.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hypothesis on the formation of Saturn's rings that corresponds to scientific theories is statement B: protoplanets collided with one another and broke into tiny pieces.
There are two main hypotheses regarding the formation of planetary rings like those of Saturn. The first is the breakup hypothesis, suggesting that a moon or similar body was shattered, possibly due to a collision with a comet or asteroid, and the pieces formed a ring. The second contends that the rings are formed from material that was never able to coalesce into a moon, to begin with. These tiny pieces could be bound by Saturn's gravitational pull into rings.
The formation is also tied to the history of the solar system. Large collisions and subsequent breakups were more common during the early stages of the solar system, when many interplanetary projectiles remained after planet formation. In the outer solar system, protoplanets grew large enough to attract significant amounts of gas, such as hydrogen and helium, due to the available raw materials that included ices as well as rocks. Over time, some of these materials could have contributed to the planetary ring systems.