5.0 Learning Objectives

In this chapter, students will learn how to:

• Identify the main components of the solar system, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and dust.
• Explain how the solar system formed according to the nebular hypothesis, and describe the key processes involved, such as gravitational collapse, nuclear fusion in the Sun, and planetesimal formation.
• Compare and contrast the terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) with the Jovian planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) based on their physical properties, orbits, and atmospheric composition.