Chapter 12, Problem 1QP

To determine

The reason behind the disappearance of the other planetesimals from the solar system.

Answer to Problem 1QP

Option (c) is correct. The planetesimals that disappeared may have now become the part of the larger bodies like planets and moons.

Explanation of Solution

As the solar system formed, there were a huge number of planetesimals formed along with the formation of the planets. The planetesimals are the bodies that revolve around the sun along with the other planets but are comparatively smaller.

The asteroids, comets are the left over planetesimals that survived after the formation of the solar system. The other planetesimals those were present at the initial stages after the formation of the solar system might not exist now.

The reason behind the disappearing of the several planetesimals is that they might have collided with the larger bodies like planets or their moons due to their gravitational interaction and have become the part of that particular body.

Conclusion:

Thus, option (c) is correct. The planetesimals that disappeared may have now become the part of the larger bodies like planets and moons.

Option (a) is incorrect. The planetesimals that are far away from the sun do not receive much heat from the sun be evaporated.

Option (b) is incorrect. In order to left the solar system, the inner planetesimals might have to undergo several difficulties.

Option (d) is incorrect. All the planetesimals did not undergo collisions to break into fragments.