University of South Florida

GLY 3850

Exam study guide Module 1: Formation of the Solar System 1.1 Solar Nebula and Solar System Formation The solar system formed from a solar nebula, which consisted of diluted clouds of gases and dust. The process of formation involved: 1. Condensation of the solar nebula due to gravitational attraction 2. Formation of the protosun at the center and planetesimals in the surrounding area 3. Continued collapse of the protosun due to gravity 4. Initiation of nuclear fusion in the protosun's core 5. Development of inner rocky planets and outer gas giants Key concepts: • Protosun: The hot, dense center of the collapsing nebula that would become the Sun • Planetesimals: Smaller, cooler objects surrounding the protosun that would eventually form planets, moons, and other celestial bodies • Nuclear Fusion: The process in which hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing enormous amounts of energy and "igniting