Question

Question
Which source of thermal energy can be attributed to the growth of a protoplanet?(1 point)
Responses

differentiation
differentiation

impact accretion
impact accretion

gravitational compression
gravitational compression

radioactive decay
radioactive decay

Answer 1

The source of thermal energy that can be attributed to the growth of a protoplanet is **impact accretion**. As a protoplanet collides and accumulates material from its surroundings, the kinetic energy from these impacts is converted into thermal energy, contributing to the heating of the protoplanet.