Which of the following correctly describes the concept of galactic recycling?
A) Stars near the center of the Milky Way are continually recycled to the outskirts of the disk by their orbital motion.
B) Life is continuously being spread from star to star in the Milky Way.
C) New stars are continuously being formed in the Milky Way out of gas that has been ejected from a previous generation of stars.
D) New galaxies are continuously being formed out of gas ejected from a previous generation of galaxies.
E) In the formation of a star, no matter is wasted as all excess material ends up recycled into planets.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Galactic recycling refers to the process whereby new stars are formed out of gas that has been enriched with heavier elements (such as carbon and oxygen) by previous generations of stars that have lived and died. This recycling process is crucial to the evolution of galaxies as it enriches the interstellar medium with the heavy elements necessary for the formation of new stars and planets. Option A describes the general motion of stars in the Milky Way, but does not relate to the concept of galactic recycling. Option B is not a scientifically supported concept. Option D is incorrect as galaxies are not formed out of gas ejected from previous generation galaxies. Option E refers to the formation of planets, not galactic recycling.

Which of the Following Correctly Describes the Concept of Galactic