How does the solar nebula theory explain the dramatic density difference between the terrestrial and jovian planets?

Answer 1

The solar nebula theory explains that planets are formed by solid bits of matter. What that matter is entirely dependent on the gas and substances available. The terrestrial planets in our solar system were located in the inner part of the solar nebula. This means that the temperatures were too high for the gas to condense into solids, leaving metals and silicates as the only solids from which the small and dense terrestrial planets could form. Meanwhile, the temperatures in the outer solar nebula were cold enough for the gases to form solid ice. The large Jovian planets then formed from the large amounts of ice particles available and were able to capture gas directly from the solar nebula because of how large they were. The solar nebula theory explains that planets are formed by solid bits of matter. What that matter is entirely dependent on the gas and substances available. The terrestrial planets in our solar system were located in the inner part of the solar nebula. This means that the temperatures were too high for the gas to condense into solids, leaving metals and silicates as the only solids from which the small and dense terrestrial planets could form. Meanwhile, the temperatures in the outer solar nebula were cold enough for the gases to form solid ice. The large Jovian planets then formed from the large amounts of ice particles available and were able to capture gas directly from the solar nebula because of how large they were.

Answer 2

The solar nebula theory suggests that the terrestrial planets formed closer to the Sun where it was hotter, leading to the evaporation of light elements and the accumulation of heavier materials, resulting in higher density. In contrast, the jovian planets formed farther from the Sun where it was colder, allowing lighter elements like hydrogen and helium to remain gaseous and accumulate, resulting in lower density.