Question

describe two ways in which conditions in a protogalactic- cloud system might lead to the birth of an elliptical rather than a spiral galaxy

Answer 1

Conditions in a protogalactic-cloud system can lead to the birth of an elliptical galaxy instead of a spiral galaxy through collapse and merger, as well as accretion and growth processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Conditions in a protogalactic-cloud system can lead to the birth of an elliptical galaxy instead of a spiral galaxy through two main mechanisms:

1. Collapse and Merger: When two spiral galaxies collide and merge under their mutual gravity, they can form an elliptical galaxy. The collision and merger process disrupts the structure of the spiral galaxies, causing the stars and interstellar matter to mix and redistribute, ultimately leading to the formation of an elliptical galaxy.
2. Accretion and Growth: Some elliptical galaxies formed by the collision and merger of many smaller fragments. This process involves the accumulation of stars, gas, and dark matter from smaller galaxies, which populate the halo and bulge of the resulting elliptical galaxy.