As an interstellar cloud of hydrogen gas shrinks in size, its temperature increases
A)because gravitational potential energy is converted to thermal energy.
B)because thermal energy is converted to radiative energy.
C)because kinetic energy is converted to radiative energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the interstellar cloud of hydrogen gas collapses under the force of gravity, its gravitational potential energy is converted into thermal energy, which increases its temperature. This process is known as gravitational heating.

As an Interstellar Cloud of Hydrogen Gas Shrinks in Size