The two factors most likely to affect whether a galaxy will evolve by merging with a second galaxy are:
-
its size compared to that of the other galaxy - Larger galaxies have a stronger gravitational pull and can attract smaller galaxies, leading to mergers.
-
its distance from the other galaxy - The proximity of galaxies affects the gravitational forces between them; galaxies that are closer are more likely to merge.
So, the correct answers are:
- its size compared to that of the other galaxy
- its distance from the other galaxy