When a large gas cloud starts to collapse in a free-fall due to gravity, the cloud will ____.
A) increase in temperature
B) decrease in temperature
C) rotate slower
D) remain at the same temperature
E) become unstable and breakup

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As a large gas cloud collapses due to gravity, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, causing the particles within the cloud to move faster and collide more frequently. This increase in particle motion and collisions results in an increase in temperature.

When a Large Gas Cloud Starts to Collapse in a Free-Fall