Planets, stars, and galaxies are composed of different forms of matter. Which material makes up the planets in Earth's solar system?
A.
heavy metals created in the big bang
B.
debris from previous stars that have exploded
C.
material that shot out of the Sun about 10 billion years ago
D.
material captured from a passing galaxy about 10 billion years ago
B. debris from previous stars that have exploded
The material that makes up the planets in Earth's solar system is option B: debris from previous stars that have exploded.
To determine which material makes up the planets in Earth's solar system, we need to understand the processes that contribute to the formation of planets. The most widely accepted theory is the Nebular Hypothesis, which explains that planets form from a rotating disk of gas and dust surrounding a young star, in this case, the Sun.
According to the Nebular Hypothesis, the material that makes up the planets in Earth's solar system is primarily debris from previous stars that have exploded. This debris, often referred to as "stellar dust" or "cosmic dust," is composed of various elements, including heavy metals, such as iron, nickel, and gold, as well as lighter elements like oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.
This option is represented by choice B - debris from previous stars that have exploded. This debris comes from supernova explosions, where massive stars reach the end of their lives and explode, scattering their outer layers into space. Over time, this stellar dust accumulates and accretes into larger bodies, eventually forming planets.
Therefore, to answer the question, the material that makes up the planets in Earth's solar system is primarily debris from previous stars that have exploded, as explained by choice B.