Knowee
Questions
Features
Study Tools

Which two factors caused Earth and the other planets to become layered during the formation of our solar system?

Question

Which two factors caused Earth and the other planets to become layered during the formation of our solar system?

🧐 Not the exact question you are looking for?Go ask a question

Solution

The two main factors that caused Earth and other planets to become layered during the formation of our solar system are:

  1. Heat: As the planets formed, they were subjected to extreme heat. This heat came from the gravitational energy of particles colliding and sticking together, and from the decay of radioactive elements. This heat caused the materials within the planets to melt and differentiate, or separate out, based on their densities.

  2. Gravity: Once the materials within the planets were in a molten state, gravity caused the denser materials, like iron and nickel, to sink towards the center of the planets. This formed the core. The less dense materials, like silicates, rose towards the surface, forming the mantle and crust. This process is known as planetary differentiation and is the reason why planets, including Earth, have a layered structure.

This problem has been solved

Similar Questions

The cooling of the young Earth had many major effects on the Earth system. One of them and its importance to other spheres is............ A- Formation of the dense, solid core of the planet. B- Formation of sedimentary rocks by erosion C- Formation of magnetic field which save Earth's atmosphere D- Formation of oceans as the continents continued to separate

Which of the following is the first thing that must happen in order for solar system formation to take place?Group of answer choicesdust particles must clump together until they are large enough for gravity to affect themprotoplanets must slam together in such a way that they stick togetherthe protoplanetary disc must start spinning and flattening out as a protostar forms at its corean ancient star must explode to provide the heavy elements necessary for planet formation

What type of disk is important for planet formation?

The Earth's origin is related to the process of formation of the solar system.a.Trueb.False

Describe the differences in the chemical makeup of the inner and outer parts of the solar system. What is the relationship between what the planets are made of and the temperature where they formed?

1/3

Upgrade your grade with Knowee

Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.