Evolution of the Solar System Event Timeline
Activity
Make sure you have read and understand all instructions on this
lessons page before
attempting this activity. 1) Letter: C
Timeline
A- The earth is struck by an
enormous object (possibly as big
as mars). This impact sent a
vast amount of material into
orbit around the Earth. This
material coalesced to become
what?
B- The sun ignites and the
planets begin to form. Why are
the inner planets rocky, and the
outer planets gas giants?
C- Cloud of interstellar gas
begins to collapse. What may
have caused this to happen?
D- Material in the middle of the
interstellar collapse becomes
more and more dense, causing it
to heat up. Why does something
heat up when its density
increases? (think pressure)
E- The sun begins to swell up
becoming a red giant. What will
happen to the Earth when this
happens?
F- Particles of dust in the
interstellar cloud begin to
collide and stick together. What
are some of the objects formed
in the solar system as a result of
these collisions called?
Answer: One theory is
that a supernova sent a
shockwave through the 4.6 Billion years
ago
gas cloud causing it to
begin to collapse due
to gravity.
2) Letter: F
Answer: Asteroids,
comets, and
planetesimals 4.56 Billion years
ago
3) Letter: D
Answer: The denser
something is causes
the molecules to bump 4.5 Billion Years
in to each other more ago
often causing friction.
Also accepted: Gay-
Lussacs Law
4) Letter: B
Answer: The inner
solar system was so
hot that only metallic 4.45 Billion years
particles survived, ago
while lighter elements
were pushed farther
out. Or, gravity pulled
heavier particles
towards the center.
5) Letter: A
Answer: The Moon
4.4 Billion years
ago
6) Letter: E
Answer: The Earth will
be engulfed by the sun
as its expansion may 5 billion years
go even as far as Mars. from now