Two competing models of the formation of giant gaseous planets suggest they form either from gas accreting onto a rocky core or from
A) fragmentation of the accretion disk surrounding the protostar.
B) the merger of two large planetesimals.
C) an eruption of material from the protostar.
D) materials condensing out of the solar wind.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The two competing models for the formation of giant gaseous planets are the core accretion model and the disk instability model. The core accretion model proposes that gas gradually accretes onto a solid core, which is formed from dust grains in the protoplanetary disk. The disk instability model suggests that giant gaseous planets are formed directly from gas that undergoes gravitational collapse within the disk. Therefore, the correct choice is A) fragmentation of the accretion disk surrounding the protostar.

Two Competing Models of the Formation of Giant Gaseous Planets