Study Questions Week 11

Galilean Moons

Your study questions on the Galilean Moons

Formation of the solar system

What are the major observed characteristics of our solar system which should be explained by the theory of formation?

What are the irregularities observed in the solar system that a theory of formation will have to allow for?

What is the difference between evolutionary theories and catastrophic theories of formation of the solar system?

What role does dust play in the formation of the solar system? 

Describe the condensation theory.

What is accretion? Explain the relation between accretion and fragmentation.

Describe or define planetesimal. 

Discuss the standard theory of formation of the solar system.

How do the gas giants form?

What is the evidence that Jupiter formed farther out in the solar system and "migrated" in to its current location? 

What is the role of heat in the formation of the solar system?

Discuss asteroids and comets in the context of the standard model of solar system formation.

 In the context of the standard model, why do rocky planets form in the inner solar system?

What role might "catastrophes" have played in shaping the appearance of the solar system today?

Study questions from other weeks:

week 1 | week2 | week 3 | week 4 | week 5 | week 6 | week 7 | week 8 | week 9 | week 10 | week 11 | week 12 | week 13 | week 14