Final answer:
There are two theories for the origin of planetary ring particles: the breakup hypothesis and the inability to form a moon. Tidal forces and the gravity of the planet play important roles in the formation of rings.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are two theories for the origin of planetary ring particles. The first theory, called the breakup hypothesis, suggests that the rings are the remains of a shattered moon. A passing comet or asteroid may have collided with the moon, breaking it into pieces that were then dispersed into a disk by tidal forces. The second theory proposes that the rings are made of particles that were unable to come together to form a moon in the first place.
In either theory, the gravity of the planet plays an important role. Close to the planet, tidal forces can tear bodies apart or prevent loose particles from coming together. While we do not know which explanation holds for any given ring, some scientists have concluded that at least a few rings are relatively young and the result of breakup.