The standard model of the formation of the solar system assumes that the material that became the solar system began as a large spherical cloud of gas and dust, rotating slowly. As the solar system formed, most of this material was transformed into a compact, flattened disk, rotating more rapidly. What is the explanation for this change in shape and rate of rotation?
A) conservation of angular momentum
B) influence of nearby stars
C) differentiation of materials easily vaporized and not easily vaporized
D) alignment with the plane of the Milky Way Galaxy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The conservation of angular momentum explains the change in shape and rate of rotation. As the cloud contracted, it spun faster and flattened due to the need to conserve angular momentum, similar to how a figure skater spins faster when pulling in their arms.

The Standard Model of the Formation of the Solar System