answersLogoWhite

0

Core accretion theory

Updated: 6/30/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Best Answer

This belongs in astronomy.

It's a theory of how solar systems have come to be.

Basically, clouds of gas draw together and form an accretion disc (which lies in a plane equal to the planets' axes).

In the center a sun is created from the large amount of particles gathering there.

Elsewhere particles gather and form larger particles, which collide and gain size over time.

After a long, long time a solar system has been created.

All the details are not known, and this was probably the most simplistic explanation of the theory possible, try searching for accretion disc.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

This answer is not in detail but it gives you a bit of an idea of how it works.

With the "core accretion" theory, planets start as small rock-ice cores that grow as they gravitationally acquire additional mass.

The most commonly accepted mechanism for the formation of Jupiter-like planets is the core accretion model. In this model a rocky core forms through the coagulation of planetesimals until it is sufficiently massive to accrete a gaseous envelope. Initially this envelope is in hydrostatic equilibrium, with most of the luminosity provided by the accreting planetesimals. Once the core reaches a critical mass, however, hydrostatic equilibrium is no longer possible, and a phase of rapid gas accretion occurs.

See more on the related link below.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

MobPsycho7

Lvl 5
11mo ago

The core accretion theory, also known as the nebular hypothesis or the classical model, is a widely accepted scientific explanation for the formation of gas giant planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, in our solar system and beyond. According to this theory, the formation of gas giants occurs in several stages:

Formation of a Protoplanetary Disk: The process begins with the formation of a protoplanetary disk, also known as a circumstellar disk or accretion disk. This disk is composed of gas, dust particles, and various ices surrounding a young star. It forms from the remnants of the stellar nebula, a cloud of gas and dust left over after star formation.

Dust Particle Accretion: Within the protoplanetary disk, small dust particles collide and stick together, gradually growing in size through a process known as accretion. These particles are mainly composed of rock and ice, and as they grow larger, they begin to exert gravitational influence on surrounding matter.

Formation of Planetesimals: As dust particles continue to collide and merge, they eventually form larger bodies called planetesimals. These planetesimals can range in size from a few meters to several kilometers in diameter. The gravitational attraction between planetesimals allows them to accrete more material, gradually increasing their size and mass.

Core Formation: As planetesimals grow, they may continue to collide and merge, eventually reaching a critical mass where their gravitational pull becomes strong enough to attract and hold on to gas from the surrounding disk. This gas primarily consists of hydrogen and helium. The solid core of the future gas giant is formed by the accretion and consolidation of these planetesimals.

Gas Accretion: Once the core reaches a certain mass, it can start to accrete gas directly from the protoplanetary disk. The core's gravity attracts gas particles, causing them to fall onto the core's surface and gradually accumulate. This gas accretion process can be rapid, with the gas giant's mass increasing significantly over time.

Final Assembly: As the gas giant accretes more gas, it grows in size and mass. The process continues until the protoplanetary disk is mostly depleted or dissipates, marking the end of gas accretion. The result is a fully formed gas giant planet with a solid core surrounded by a thick atmosphere primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.

The core accretion theory provides a framework for understanding the formation of gas giants and has been supported by observational evidence, computer simulations, and studies of exoplanetary systems. However, it is important to note that alternative theories, such as the disk instability model, have also been proposed to explain the formation of gas giants, and ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of planetary formation processes.

My recommendation : 𝒉𝒕𝒕𝒑𝒔://𝒘𝒘𝒘.𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒆24.𝒄𝒐𝒎/𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒓/372576/𝑫𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒌𝒚07/

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Astrologer Devanand

Lvl 7
11mo ago

A widely accepted model for explaining planet formation is the core accretion theory. Planets are thought to form as a result of the steady accumulation of solid matter in a protoplanetary disk that surrounds a young star. The cycle starts with the development of a rough center through the crash and staying together of little residue particles. The core begins to gravitatically attract gas from the disk as it gets bigger, eventually creating a thick atmosphere. A fully developed planet is created by the accretion of both gas and solid matter over time.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Core accretion theory
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Astronomy

Why are planet cores so hot?

Planets are, in general, by-products of the birth of a star. As the stars form from accretion, so do the planets. Heavy elements like iron and even the heaviest elements at the upper end of the periodic table can become part of a planet's core. The core of a planet usually exists of these heavy elements. The pressure and isolation from the upper layers of the planet cause the core to stay molten and hot. Though not all planetary cores are hot, some are, and we might look at Earth to figure out how a planet's core gets hot. There are three things that contribute to the Earth's core temperature. The original formation of the Earth by accretion created heat when gravity compressed the material. We also see that bombardment of the planet by asteroids and other matter which created tremendous heat which has not completely cooled. In the case of the earth, the major impact that formed the moon would have re-melted the surface if it had begun to solidify at that point. The other sources of heat are the friction/movement of the various parts and substances. This can be due to crustal shift or the strong gravity of a nearby mass periodically compressing the planet. The is also the fact that the primary source of Earth's core heat (90+%) is from the radioactive decay of radioactive materials in the core. A planet's core is hot because of residual heat of formation, or from friction generated by repeated compression by a nearby massive body, or from impacts of other bodies, or from the natural shifts of crustal material, or from the decay of radioactive materials within it.


What is the core temperature of planet Mars?

The core of Mars is cooler than the Earth. Why depends on the surface area relative to the volume of a planet. A larger planet like Earth has a lot of volume and a limited amount of surface area by which to radiate its internal heat to space. Mars is smaller but has more surface area per volume than Earth, so it can radiate its internal heat away to space more efficiently than Earth. There are other smaller differences in the initial heat of accretion and the heat released when the core forms from an initially homogeneous mass, but the surface area is the biggest factor. like none of this has an actual temperature


What are the two parts of the Sun's core?

the two parts of the core are the inner core and the outer core


What is the center of the Earth known as?

The center of the Earth is known as the core. the core.....worship me! the core.....worship me!


What are three parts of the sun's atmosphere?

The Mantle, the Outer Core and the Inner Core (Core)

Related questions

What is it called when a core of rock and ice attracts gases in space?

It is called accretion. The term is also used for the formation of a stellar disk that begins the process of forming planets around a star.


Why the inner core is hot?

From incredible pressures, residual accretion heat, and nuclear reactions. == ==


Define core population theory?

Core population theory proposes that a society's survival is dependent on a core group within the population maintaining social order and stability. This theory suggests that this core group is responsible for maintaining the social norms and values of the society, ensuring its continuity and prosperity.


What is gravitational instability theory?

Gravitational instability theory, is a theory that the Jovian planets are formed directly from the instabilities within the gasses around them which leads to gravitational collapse. This makes one of the four giant outer planets of the solar system, which resembles Jupiter in physical and chemicalcomposition.gravitational instabability theory -- gas and dust sticks to itself and colapses.core accretion theory -- a core of rock and ice attracts gasses.


How does the composition of the inner core and outer core explain the Dynamo theory?

Dynamo theory is the idea that a magnetic field generator exists within the Earth's outer core. It is this generator that explains the difference between the inner and outer core.


What is core population theory?

core population theory defines the numbers of people in a country however, many people in the world increases by its numbers such as in a community.


How does the composition of the inner and outer core explain this theory?

Dynamo theory is the idea that a magnetic field generator exists within the Earth's outer core. It is this generator that explains the difference between the inner and outer core.


What is the core fallacy to the theory of evolution?

There isn't one.


What is a core of rock and ice attracts gases?

A core of rock and ice that attracts gases is likely referring to a comet. Comets are celestial objects composed of rock, dust, ice, and frozen gases that orbit the Sun. When a comet's orbit brings it close to the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, releasing gases and creating a glowing coma and tail.


What is the core of the Uranus?

We don't have any facts to form a theory on that.


What is ''core-periphery theory''?

Core-periphery theory is the relationship between 2 countries, with the core being more developed while the periphery being the less developed. Usually, the core would benefit while the periphery would remain undeveloped because things like labour and raw materials travel from the periphery to the core.


How does the size of the Moon's core supports the impact theory of the Moon's formation?

because the moons core is small, that means it didn't have any