Which factor is essential to the initial formation of galaxies, for either of the theories describing galaxy evolution?(1 point)
Responses:
a) The force of orbiting stars generates collisions.
b) Gravity acts on existing material, shaping it into a new form.
c) Massive gas and dust clouds collapse.
d) Small lumps of material merge into larger clumps.
c) Massive gas and dust clouds collapse.
The correct answer is c) Massive gas and dust clouds collapse.
To determine which factor is essential to the initial formation of galaxies, we can look at the options provided and apply some basic knowledge about galaxy evolution.
Option (c) states that massive gas and dust clouds collapse. This is the correct answer. According to the theory of galaxy formation, galaxies begin as large clouds of gas and dust. Over time, gravitational forces cause these clouds to contract and collapse, leading to the formation of stars and galaxies.
To arrive at this answer, we eliminate options (a), (b), and (d) as they do not accurately describe the initial formation of galaxies. Option (a) suggests that collisions between orbiting stars generate the initial formation of galaxies, which is not accurate. Option (b) states that gravity acts on existing material to shape it into a new form, which might apply to the later stages of galaxy evolution but not the initial formation. Option (d) mentions the merging of small lumps of material into larger clumps, which is again a process that occurs after the initial formation of galaxies.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c) massive gas and dust clouds collapse.