Exam 6: Formation of Planetary Systems: Our Solar System and Beyond

Exceptions to a Scientific Theory? The solar nebula theory gives compelling explanations for the many regularities of our solar system. Nevertheless, the theory also claims to be perfectly consistent with the many exceptions to its basic predictions. This seems like a glaring contradiction in which the solar nebula theory would be consistent with any observed fact and hence not a scientific theory at all (why not?). Provide a deeper resolution to this apparent paradox by explaining how some of the basic exceptions in our own solar system are incorporated into the solar nebula theory. Is it really true that the theory would be consistent with any observed facts?

Why are terrestrial planets denser than jovian planets?

What is the primary basis upon which we divide the ingredients of the solar nebula into four categories (hydrogen/helium; hydrogen compound; rock; metal)?

Approximately how many other planetary systems have been discovered to date?

Suppose that the temperature of the solar nebula had been much colder. How might the Solar System look different today?

You are measuring how velocity changes with time of two stars like the Sun in order to detect their planets. Both stars have a velocity curve with a periods of 2 years, but the maximum size (peak-to-peak amplitude) of the velocity curve of star A is 100 km/s, and for star B it is 200 km/s. What causes this difference? Assume the planets are named after their stars.

Why did the solar nebula heat up as it collapsed?

What are the two main differences between extrasolar planetary systems discovered to date and our Solar System?

How does the Sun's mass compare with that of the planets?

According to present understanding, which of the following statements about the solar wind is not true?

A planet's density can be determined if it is observed to periodically transit in front of its parent star causing eclipses.

What is astrometry?

The Cassini mission to Saturn consists of

The Doppler technique for planet detection has found Earth like planets around nearby Sun-like stars

The first planets around other Sun-like stars were discovered

If we were to re-run the formation of the solar system, what would likely be the same and what would likely be different?

Which of the following is not a major difference between the terrestrial and jovian planets in our solar system?

Which of the following is not a characteristic of the outer planets?

How is Einstein's famous equation, E=mc², important in understanding the Sun?

Consider two main sequence K-stars. Each star has been measured for a periodic wobble in its velocity curve. Which star has the closest planet (the planet with the smallest orbit)?