In the proto- solar system nebula, gravity pulled matter together to form larger bodies. As they collided, what happened to these bodies?
A) Oblique collisions caused individual bodies to spin.
B) Immense heat was released within the colliding bodies as gravitational potential energy was converted to heat.
C) The objects temporarily broke apart and then reformed into large objects, cooling rapidly during the breakup period.
D) The objects broke apart to form asteroids, much like a neutron colliding with a heavy atom produces fission.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Immense heat was released within the colliding bodies as gravitational potential energy was converted to heat. As the proto-planets collided, their kinetic energy was converted into heat, causing the temperature within the bodies to increase. This heat was eventually released through radiation, as the bodies cooled and formed the planets we know today.

In the Proto- Solar System Nebula, Gravity Pulled Matter Together