2: The Origin of Earth and the Solar System
- Page ID
- 29074
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- Explain the big bang theory for the origin of the universe.
- Explain how clouds of gas floating in space can turn into stars and planets.
- Describe the types of objects that are present in our solar system, and why they exist where they do.
- Explain how Earth got its layered structure, water, and atmosphere.
- Explain how the moon formed.
- Compare and contrast our solar system with other planetary systems.
- 2.1: Starting with a Big Bang
- This page explores the Big Bang theory, detailing the universe's 13.8 billion-year expansion, observable through red-shifted light from distant galaxies. It mentions the cosmic microwave background (CMB) as evidence of the universe's infancy.
- 2.2: Planet-Forming Materials Come from the Remnants of Exploded Stars
- This page outlines Earth's composition, noting that 95% of its mass consists of oxygen, magnesium, silicon, and iron. It explains how most elements were formed through nuclear fusion in stars, which convert smaller atoms into larger ones. Larger stars produce heavy elements and end in supernovae, scattering these elements throughout space.
- 2.3: How to Build a Solar System
- This page explains the formation of solar systems from nebulae, detailing the collapse process that leads to star and planet development, the classification of planets, and their arrangement based on temperature gradients. It also discusses a game simulating planetary interactions, the impact of collisions, and the debate over Pluto's planetary status, emphasizing intrinsic properties.
- 2.4: Earth’s First 2 Billion Years
- This page covers the Hadean Eon, detailing Earth's formation and early tumultuous conditions, including the creation of a layered interior and the Moon's formation through a giant impact. It also discusses the evolution of Earth's atmosphere from volcanic activity and the gradual buildup of oxygen due to photosynthesis by organisms.
- 2.5: Are There Other Earths?
- As of July 2021, there are 4,777 confirmed exoplanets and 4,640 pending verification, mainly identified through the transit method. The term "other Earths" lacks a uniform definition, with 60 candidates being rocky, Earth-sized in habitable zones, but only five confirmed as rocky. Observations show diverse planetary systems, making detection challenging.
- 2.6: Chapter 2 Summary and Key Term Check
- This page discusses the origins and formation of the universe, beginning with the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago. It explains the creation of matter and ongoing expansion, the formation of elements in stars and supernovae, and the process of solar system formation from gas and dust. Additionally, it covers Earth's early development, including the moon and atmosphere formation, and emphasizes current searches for Earth-like exoplanets.