Question

observations of the solar system support the nebular theory because ______.
the planets and sun rotate in different directions
elements such as hydrogen and helium remain in the solar system
all the planets orbit the sun in the same direction along a circular, flattened disk
comets fly very close to the sun, pulling matter away from it

Explanation:

The nebular theory states that the solar system formed from a rotating nebula (cloud of gas and dust) that flattened into a disk. Key evidence supporting it is that planets orbit the Sun in the same direction (prograde motion) within a flattened, circular - like disk.

• The first option is incorrect as planets and the Sun rotate in the same general direction (prograde).
• The second option is not a specific supporting observation for the nebular theory as hydrogen and helium remaining is a general fact about the solar system's composition, not related to the formation mechanism described by the nebular theory.
• The fourth option is incorrect as comets do not pull matter away from the Sun; they follow orbits and are remnants from the solar system's formation, but their close approach to the Sun is not a supporting observation for the nebular theory's core ideas about disk - based formation and orbital direction.

Answer:

C. all the planets orbit the sun in the same direction along a circular, flattened disk