The essential factor to the initial formation of galaxies, for both theories describing galaxy evolution, is "Massive gas and dust clouds collapse." This process is crucial as it leads to the formation of stars and the subsequent structure of galaxies.
Which factor is essential to the initial formation of galaxies, for either of the theories describing galaxy evolution?(1 point) Responses Small lumps of material merge into larger clumps. Small lumps of material merge into larger clumps. The force of orbiting stars generates collisions. The force of orbiting stars generates collisions. Massive gas and dust clouds collapse. Massive gas and dust clouds collapse. Gravity acts on existing material, shaping it into a new form.
3 answers
While "gravity acts on existing material, shaping it into a new form" is also a correct statement regarding the processes involved in galaxy formation, the most critical initial factor in galaxy formation primarily revolves around the collapse of massive gas and dust clouds.
The collapse of these clouds under their own gravity leads to star formation and the eventual development of galaxies. Once the clouds collapse, gravity indeed plays a crucial role in shaping the material into galaxies, but it is the initial collapse of those gas and dust clouds that is essential to start the process.
So, in the context of initial formation, "Massive gas and dust clouds collapse" is the more accurate choice.