Which factors are most likely to affect whether a galaxy will evolve by merging with a second galaxy? Select the two correct answers.(1 point) Responses its proportion of gas compared to that of the other galaxy its proportion of gas compared to that of the other galaxy its size compared to that of the other galaxy its size compared to that of the other galaxy its age compared to that of the other galaxy its age compared to that of the other galaxy its distance from the other galaxy

The correct answers are:

1) Proportion of gas compared to that of the other galaxy
2) Size compared to that of the other galaxy

The two factors most likely to affect whether a galaxy will evolve by merging with a second galaxy are:

1. Proportion of gas compared to that of the other galaxy: The amount of gas in a galaxy can determine how it interacts with another galaxy. If one galaxy has a significantly higher proportion of gas compared to the other, the gravitational forces between the two galaxies can cause them to merge.

2. Size compared to that of the other galaxy: The size of a galaxy also plays a role in whether it will merge with another galaxy. If one galaxy is significantly larger than the other, it is more likely to attract the smaller galaxy through gravitational forces and eventually merge with it.

To determine the factors that affect whether a galaxy will evolve by merging with a second galaxy, we need to consider several factors.

1) Proportion of gas: The amount of gas in a galaxy plays a crucial role in its ability to merge with another galaxy. When two galaxies merge, their gas clouds can collide and trigger the formation of new stars. Therefore, the proportion of gas in a galaxy compared to that of the other galaxy is an important factor affecting the potential for merging.

2) Size: The size of a galaxy also plays a role in whether it can merge with another galaxy. Generally, larger galaxies are more likely to merge with smaller galaxies due to the gravitational interactions between them. The size of galaxies compared to one another can influence the likelihood of merging.

Other factors such as the age of the galaxy and the distance between galaxies are not directly related to the likelihood of merging. Age might affect the ability of merging galaxies to interact, but it is not a primary factor determining whether merging will occur. Similarly, although distance can affect the strength of gravitational interactions between galaxies, it does not directly determine whether merging will occur.

Therefore, the correct answers are:
- Its proportion of gas compared to that of the other galaxy
- Its size compared to that of the other galaxy