The manner in which the large, outer planets formed in our solar system was MOST likely the
A) gravitational condensation of hydrogen, helium, and dust in eddies or vortices in the outer solar nebula.
B) gravitational condensation of hydrogen and helium gas, followed by the capture of planetesimals.
C) accretion of planetesimals to form a core, followed by the gravitational capture of hydrogen and helium gas.
D) accretion of cold planetesimals containing large quantities of hydrogen and helium.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The large, outer planets, also known as gas giants, likely formed through the accretion of planetesimals to create a solid core, which then had enough gravitational pull to capture hydrogen and helium gas, the most abundant elements in the early solar system. This process explains the significant gas atmospheres of these planets.

The Manner in Which the Large, Outer Planets Formed in Our