What mechanism likely accounts for whether a large icy planetesimal becomes a "water world" or a gas giant?
A)the timing of when the stellar wind blows away the remaining gas of the planet forming nebula
B)the migration of larger planets through the disk
C)the presence of other planets to make its orbit highly eccentric
D)the amount of heavy metals initially present in the disk

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The timing of when the stellar wind blows away the remaining gas of the planet-forming nebula is crucial. If a planetesimal accretes enough mass to capture a significant atmosphere before the gas is dispersed, it can become a gas giant. If the gas is dispersed before this happens, it may become a water world or remain a smaller, icy body.

What Mechanism Likely Accounts for Whether a Large Icy Planetesimal