Final answer:
The materials that formed Earth originated from stardust containing essential elements created by previous generations of stars and later gathered by the gravitational forces in the early solar system. Meteorites and comets may have delivered volatile components like water and organic molecules to Earth after it cooled down. Additionally, Earth's atmosphere and oceans might come from volcanic outgassing or leftover materials from the Sun's formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origin of Earth's Materials:
The materials that formed Earth came from the stardust that constituted the early solar system. This cloud of dust, gas, and rock included the elements that would later make up Earth. The Big Bang initially produced hydrogen and helium atoms. Over billions of years, stars such as red giants and supernova explosions synthesized heavier elements like carbon and iron, essential for life and the Earth's core respectively. These materials were later gathered together to form the planets, including Earth. Some of the Earth's volatile components, like water and organic molecules, may have been delivered by primitive meteorites and comets. This is significant since Earth's early history was too tumultuous for such materials to survive. Once Earth's surface cooled, it could accumulate these organic materials which are considered critical for the eventual formation of life. In addition to meteoritic contributions, Earth's atmosphere and oceans may have originated from gases released by volcanic activity and from the materials left over from the formation of the Sun.