What is gravitational instability theory?

Answer 1

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 chemical

composition.

gravitational instabability theory -- gas and dust sticks to itself and colapses.

core accretion theory -- a core of rock and ice attracts gasses.

Answer 2

The gravitational instability theory is an alternative hypothesis to the core accretion theory for the formation of gas giant planets. According to this theory, gas giants can form directly through the fragmentation and gravitational collapse of a protoplanetary disk, without the need for a solid core as a seed.

In the gravitational instability theory, the process starts with a massive and extended protoplanetary disk consisting of gas and dust surrounding a young star. The disk is not uniformly distributed, but instead contains local regions of higher density or clumps. These clumps can form due to various mechanisms, such as spiral density waves or turbulent motions within the disk.

Under certain conditions, these clumps can become gravitationally unstable. As their mass exceeds a critical threshold, self-gravity dominates over other forces, causing the clumps to contract and collapse. The collapsing clumps undergo rapid fragmentation, breaking up into smaller fragments or cores. These cores continue to accrete gas from the surrounding disk, growing in mass and eventually becoming gas giant planets.

Gravitational instability theory suggests that gas giant formation can occur relatively quickly, within a few thousand years, compared to the longer timescales predicted by the core accretion theory. It also implies that gas giants can form farther away from their host star, even beyond the so-called snow line, where icy materials can exist.

While the core accretion theory has substantial supporting evidence, the gravitational instability theory is still an active area of research and debate. It faces challenges in explaining some observations, such as the characteristics of observed exoplanets and the properties of our own solar system. Further studies, including observations and theoretical models, are ongoing to better understand the conditions under which gravitational instability may play a significant role in planet formation.

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