Why are so many astronomical objects in the universe flat today? (Like the solar system, Saturn's ring, black hole accretion discs) Let's focus on our galaxy. Originally, the galaxy was a huge spherical cloud of gas and dust, much larger than it is today, and rotating much more slowly. Explain using gravity and the conservation of angular momentum, why the galaxy today is a flat disc that rotates faster.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations and Connections
1st Edition
ISBN:9781133939146
Author:Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:Katz, Debora M.
Chapter7: Gravity
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 14PQ: Since 1995, hundreds of extrasolar planets have been discovered. There is the exciting possibility...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

Why are so many astronomical objects in the universe flat today? (Like the solar system, Saturn's ring, black hole accretion discs) Let's focus on our galaxy. Originally, the galaxy was a huge spherical cloud of gas and dust, much larger than it is today, and rotating much more slowly. Explain using gravity and the conservation of angular momentum, why the galaxy today is a flat disc that rotates faster.

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Moment of inertia
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics
ISBN:
9781133939146
Author:
Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:
9781133104261
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology …
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology …
Physics
ISBN:
9781305116399
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics Volume 1
University Physics Volume 1
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168277
Author:
William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax - Rice University
Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems
Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems
Physics
ISBN:
9780534408961
Author:
Stephen T. Thornton, Jerry B. Marion
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Astronomy
Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168284
Author:
Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher:
OpenStax