Which factor is essential to the initial formation of galaxies, for either of the theories describing galaxy evolution?(1 point) Responses Small lumps of material merge into larger clumps. Small lumps of material merge into larger clumps. Massive gas and dust clouds collapse. Massive gas and dust clouds collapse. Gravity acts on existing material, shaping it into a new form. Gravity acts on existing material, shaping it into a new form. The force of orbiting stars generates collisions.
Massive gas and dust clouds collapse.
Which characteristics are considered most typical of an old galaxy in decline?(1 point) Responses shrinking in size, high dust content shrinking in size, high dust content very bright, relatively small very bright, relatively small spiral, abundant planets present spiral, abundant planets present low gas content, little star formation
low gas content, little star formation
With which type of galaxy is a small galaxy most likely to merge? Select the two correct answers.(1 point) Responses a fast-moving galaxy a fast-moving galaxy an equal-sized galaxy an equal-sized galaxy a nearby galaxy a nearby galaxy a much larger galaxy
a nearby galaxy and a much larger galaxy
The correct answer is: Massive gas and dust clouds collapse.
The factor that is essential to the initial formation of galaxies according to the theories describing galaxy evolution is the massive collapse of gas and dust clouds. This process is commonly referred to as the collapse theory.
To understand this concept, scientists study the structure and formation of galaxies by observing the distribution of matter in the universe. They have found that these structures evolve over time, starting from small clumps of material and eventually growing into larger structures like galaxies.
To get to the idea that massive gas and dust clouds collapse, scientists rely on a combination of observational data, theoretical models, and simulations. They analyze the distribution and behavior of matter in the universe, study how gravity affects the development of these structures, and examine the processes occurring within gas clouds.
The collapse theory suggests that the force of gravity acting on a massive cloud of gas and dust can cause it to contract and collapse inward. As the cloud collapses, it begins to spin faster due to the conservation of angular momentum. This spinning motion helps to flatten the cloud into a rotating disk.
Within this rotating disk, further collapse and accretion of matter occur, leading to the formation of stars and the accumulation of gas and dust that eventually shapes the structure of a galaxy. As the stellar population increases, the force of orbiting stars generates collisions with other stars and interstellar matter, further influencing the evolution of the galaxy.
In summary, the essential factor to the initial formation of galaxies is the massive collapse of gas and dust clouds under the influence of gravity. This process sets the stage for the subsequent evolution and shaping of galaxies according to the collapse theory.