Theories explaining the origin of the solar system
Answer Text: The Earth and the Solar System Solar system is the group of heavenly bodies comprising the sun and the nine planets.The origin of the Solar System Theories A theory is a set of reasoned ideas intended to explain facts or events 1. Passing Star Theory• A star with a greater gravitational pull passed near the sun • It attracted large quantities of gaseous materials from the sun • The materials split, cooled and condensed to form planets • The planets were set in orbit by the passing star Weaknesses • Doesn’t explain the origin of the sun and star.• Minimal chance of a star approaching another • Materials would disperse than condense 2. Collision Theory • Star with greater gravitational pull passed near the sun • It attracted large quantities of gaseous materials • The materials split into portions• Large portions collided with smaller ones and swept them to form planets. The weaknesses are the same as the passing star’s Theory. 3. Nebula Cloud Theory • There was a slowly rotating cloud of dust and gas called Nebula • It cooled and began to contract• Rotation speed increased and successive rings of gaseous materials were formed. • The rings condensed to form planets The central gaseous material remained as the sun Evidence • Rotation and revolution of planets in anticlockwise direction WeaknessThe origin of nebular is not explained. 4. Supernova/explosion Theory • There was a violent explosion of a star. • A cloud of dust (nebular) remained from the star. • There was fast movement of the cloud due to the force of explosion. • Rotation speed increased due to gravitational attraction• The cloud flattened into a disc. • The matter began to accumulate towards the centre to form a proto-sun which later began to shine. • The rest of the cloud collapsed to form planets. Weaknesses • Doesn’t explain the origin of the star • Doesn’t explain the cause of explosion
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