The increasing temperature of the core of a collapsing cloud of gas is due to:
A) radiation.
B) collisions between gas molecules.
C) increased spin rate of the cloud.
D) fragmentation of the core.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Collisions between gas molecules cause an increase in temperature as they release heat energy, leading to an increase in the temperature of the core of the collapsing cloud of gas. Radiation also plays a role, but it is not the primary reason for the temperature increase. Increased spin rate and fragmentation of the core do not directly contribute to the temperature increase.

The Increasing Temperature of the Core of a Collapsing Cloud