Formation of the Solar System
Unit 4 - Formation of the Solar System (weeks 10-11)
Learning Objectives
Identify at least two dynamic and two chemical properties of the solar system that any model of origin must explain. Describe briefly the chemical condensation model.
Describe the concepts of angular momentum and the conservation of angular momentum. Know how this relates to accretion disks.
Describe the role of accretion in the formation and initial heating of the planets and the role of impacts in the subsequent intense bombardment early in the solar system’s life.
Describe the process of cratering of planetary surfaces and tell how craters can be used to infer the relative ages of the surfaces.
Present the unique characteristics of Pluto that make it neither a Jovian nor a terrestrial planet.
Outline
The Evolution of the Solar System
Accretion disk
Condensation theory
Early bombardment
Solar System Remnants: Asteroids, Meteors, Comets, Asteroid Belt, Kuiper Belt, Oort Cloud
Formation of the Solar System Notes
Homework:
Read Introduction, Solar System Formation, Asteroids & Comets and/or Chapter 11 in Zeilik.