Which evidence provides support for the nebular theory:
a) scientists have observed the formation of a distant solar system
b) the nebular theory has been proven mathmatically
c) astronomers have observed protoplanetary disks around distant newborn stars
d) none of the above
I think it's A... but it could be C... and it could be D... so I'm not sure. Help please?
not a ... we don't have the technology yet ... same for c
b) ... computer modeling
It's C.
The best answer is C) astronomers have observed protoplanetary disks around distant newborn stars.
The nebular theory proposes that our solar system formed from a giant rotating cloud of gas and dust called a nebula. This theory is supported by various lines of evidence, including observations of protoplanetary disks around young stars. These disks are believed to be the remnants of the same kind of rotating cloud from which our solar system formed.
Option A suggests that scientists have observed the formation of a distant solar system, which is not necessarily direct evidence for the nebular theory.
Option B states that the nebular theory has been proven mathematically, but it is important to note that scientific theories are not proven in the same way as mathematical theorems. The mathematical support for the theory is significant but not conclusive evidence by itself.
Option D "none of the above" is incorrect as option C provides observable evidence supporting the nebular theory.
To determine which evidence provides support for the nebular theory, let's break down the options:
a) Scientists have observed the formation of a distant solar system.
This evidence supports the nebular theory because it aligns with the idea that stars and their accompanying planets form from a rotating disk of gas and dust, in this case, observed in a distant solar system.
b) The nebular theory has been proven mathematically.
While mathematical models can support and explain the mechanisms proposed by the nebular theory, the presence of mathematical proof alone does not provide direct evidence for the theory itself. Therefore, option b does not necessarily provide concrete evidence for the nebular theory.
c) Astronomers have observed protoplanetary disks around distant newborn stars.
This evidence strongly supports the nebular theory. Protoplanetary disks are observed in regions where new stars are forming. The presence of these disks suggests that the same processes hypothesized by the nebular theory are actively taking place, supporting the idea that planetary systems form from such disks.
Given these explanations, it can be concluded that option c, astronomers observing protoplanetary disks around distant newborn stars, provides evidence that supports the nebular theory. Therefore, the correct answer is not A, but rather C. Option D, "none of the above," is incorrect in this case.