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What is the basic sequence of planet formation, from small bodies to large, and how does this sequence help explain the existence of rocky planets and gas giants?

A) Accretion, Condensation, Migration, Gas Capture
B) Migration, Accretion, Condensation, Gas Capture
C) Gas Capture, Condensation, Accretion, Migration
D) Condensation, Gas Capture, Accretion, Migration

User Lightlike
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Final answer:

The basic sequence of planet formation goes from small bodies to large through the steps of accretion, condensation, migration, and gas capture. This sequence helps explain the existence of rocky planets and gas giants.

Step-by-step explanation:

The basic sequence of planet formation, from small bodies to large, involves several steps: Accretion, Condensation, Migration, and Gas Capture. Initially, planetesimals form through the process of accretion, where small dust-grain-size particles collide and stick together. These planetesimals then condense to become the building blocks of planets. Migration occurs when giant planets interact with the material in the circumstellar disk and spiral inward due to friction. Finally, the gas giants, like Jupiter and Saturn, capture gas from the solar nebula.

This sequence helps explain the existence of rocky planets and gas giants. Accretion and condensation lead to the formation of planetesimals, which later grow into rocky planets. Migration plays a role in the formation of gas giants, as they sweep up gaseous material in the disk. Gas capture allows gas giants to acquire a significant amount of hydrogen and helium, resulting in their composition. These processes collectively contribute to the diversity of planetary bodies in our solar system.

User Gautam Jha
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