The manner in which the terrestrial planets formed was the
A) gravitational condensation of hydrogen, helium, and dust in eddies or vortices in the solar nebula.
B) gravitational condensation of gas, followed by the capture of solid planetesimals.
C) accretion of solid planetesimals containing mostly rocky material.
D) accretion of planetesimals to form a core, followed by the gravitational capture of gas from the solar nebula.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) primarily formed through the process of accretion, where solid planetesimals containing mostly rocky material collided and stuck together, gradually building up the planets. This process is distinct from the formation of gas giants, which involves significant accumulation of gas from the solar nebula.

The Manner in Which the Terrestrial Planets Formed Was the