Where is most of the baryonic matter (ordinary matter) of the universe found?(1 point)
Responses
in planets and natural satellites
in planets and natural satellites
in interstellar gases and stars
in interstellar gases and stars
in dark matter and dark energy
in dark matter and dark energy
in comets and asteroids
in interstellar gases and stars
The correct answer is: in interstellar gases and stars.
The correct answer is: in interstellar gases and stars.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the concept of baryonic matter. Baryonic matter refers to ordinary matter, which is composed of atoms and subatomic particles like protons and neutrons. It includes everything we can see and interact with in the universe.
Currently, the leading understanding of the distribution of baryonic matter is that it is primarily found in interstellar gases and stars. Interstellar gases are the vast clouds of gas and dust that exist between stars in galaxies. They consist mostly of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of other elements.
Within these interstellar gases, stars form when gravity causes the gas clouds to collapse and condense. Stars are incredibly massive and hot and are made up of mostly hydrogen and helium with small amounts of heavier elements. The core of a star undergoes nuclear fusion, converting hydrogen into helium and releasing vast amounts of energy in the process.
While some baryonic matter is also found on planets, natural satellites, comets, and asteroids, these make up only a relatively small fraction of the total baryonic matter in the universe. The majority of baryonic matter exists in the form of interstellar gases and stars.