Question

describe the processes occurring in a nebula and explain why rocky planets are formed closer to the center of the solar system.
question 2
briefly describe why an object might break up under the force of gravity as it approaches a planet. what happens if the planet is very dense? what if the planet is less dense?
question 3
give examples of the scientific knowledge that has been gained by space exploration.

Explanation:

Question 1: In a nebula, gravitational collapse causes matter to clump. Heavier elements condense closer to the center where it's hotter, forming rocky planets. Lighter elements are pushed outwards by the solar wind and radiation pressure from the forming star.
Question 2: An object approaching a planet can break up due to tidal forces. If the planet is very dense, the gravitational - tidal forces are stronger, increasing the likelihood of breakup. If the planet is less dense, the tidal forces are weaker, and the object is less likely to break up.
Question 3: Space exploration has provided knowledge about the composition of other planets (e.g., Mars rovers found evidence of water - related minerals), the nature of the solar wind, and the structure of the universe (e.g., cosmic microwave background radiation studies from space observatories).

Answer:

Question 1: In a nebula, gravitational collapse and condensation of matter occur. Rocky planets form closer to the solar - system center because heavier elements condense in the hotter inner regions and are less affected by the solar wind.
Question 2: Tidal forces can break up an approaching object. A very dense planet leads to stronger tidal forces and a higher chance of breakup; a less - dense planet leads to weaker tidal forces and a lower chance of breakup.
Question 3: Knowledge about planetary composition (e.g., Mars), the solar wind, and the universe's structure (e.g., cosmic microwave background) has been gained.