Question

Why do we suspect that the Moon formed when another planet collided with the Earth?

a) The Moon's overall composition matches the composition of the Earth's outer layers.
b) Radioactive dating shows that the Moon is much younger than the Earth.
c) The Moon has more craters than the Earth.
d) The Earth and the Moon rotate on their axes at the same speeds.
e) The Earth has an atmosphere, while the Moon does not.

Answer 1

The giant impact hypothesis is supported by evidence such as similar Earth and Moon compositions, formation around the same time, and the Moon's crater-rich geological features.

Step-by-step explanation:

We suspect that the Moon formed as a result of a giant impact with Earth because geological and astronomical evidence supports this hypothesis. The similarity in composition between the Earth's outer layers and the Moon suggests a common origin, thereby supporting the giant impact hypothesis over other theories.

The Moon's composition is made almost entirely of silicates similar to those found in Earth's mantle and crust, and both the Earth and the Moon are estimated to have formed around 4.5 billion years ago. Furthermore, the cratering rates and the geological features on the Moon indicate a significant history of impacts, which aligns with the concept of a debris ring forming around the Earth after a massive collision.