How should we expect the Milky Way's interstellar medium to be different in 50 billion years than it is today?
A)The total amount of gas will be about the same,but it will contain a much higher percentage of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium.
B)The total amount of gas will be much less than it is today.
C)The total amount of gas will be much greater,since many stars will undergo supernovae between now and then.
D)Thanks to the recycling of the star-gas-star cycle,the interstellar medium should look about the same in 50 billion years as it does today.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In 50 billion years, the total amount of gas in the Milky Way's interstellar medium will be much less than it is today because stars will continue to form and consume the available gas, and the rate of gas recycling will not be sufficient to replenish it.

How Should We Expect the Milky Way's Interstellar Medium to Be