Which of these statements is an example of Kelvin-Helmholtz contraction?
A)a contraction of the planet Mercury as it cooled, with consequent buckling of the surface
B)a contraction of a dense cloud of gas slowly gets hotter due to the release of gravitational energy
C)the condensation of ices (e.g., ammonia) onto dust particles in the early solar nebula
D)a contraction of a thin cloud of gas, in which the temperature remains constant due to the escape of infrared radiation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kelvin-Helmholtz contraction occurs when a dense cloud of gas contracts and heats up due to the release of gravitational energy. This process is often seen in young stars and can also occur in certain atmospheric phenomena. Option A refers to thermal contraction, not Kelvin-Helmholtz contraction. Option C refers to the process of protoplanetary disk formation, not Kelvin-Helmholtz contraction. Option D refers to a scenario where the temperature remains constant, which is not consistent with Kelvin-Helmholtz contraction.

Which of These Statements Is an Example of Kelvin-Helmholtz Contraction