What sets the temperature of the pocket of gas in a protoplanetary disk?
A) its distance from the forming star
B) how much kinetic energy was converted to heat
C) how much radiation from the forming star shines on the gas
D) a combination of all three of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The temperature of the pocket of gas in a protoplanetary disk is set by a combination of all three factors: its distance from the forming star, how much kinetic energy was converted to heat, and how much radiation from the forming star shines on the gas. The temperature decreases with distance from the forming star, increases as kinetic energy is converted to heat, and is influenced by the amount of radiation reaching the gas. Therefore, all three factors play a role in setting the temperature.

What Sets the Temperature of the Pocket of Gas in a Protoplanetary